THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


M.  :  --,-; 
Of-  ROOKS 
4O   '•ACIFIC  AVENJfe, 
I  ON<5  BEACH.  ^ALiF 


BY  MRS.  H.  B.  GOODWIN, 

AUTHOR  OF  "MADGE,"  "  SHEEBKOOKE,"  ETC. 


"  Life,  in  perfect  whole 
And  aim  consummated,  is  Love  in  sooth. 
As  Nature's  magnet-heat  rounds  pole  with  pole." 


BOSTON: 

LEE      AND      SHEPARD. 
1869. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1868,  by 

LEE    AND    SHEPARD, 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


Stereotyped  at  the  Boston  Stereotype  Foundry, 
19  Spring  Lane. 


PS 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  r.M.B 

I.  THE  WRECK  OF  THE  STELLA.             .            .            .7 

II.  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY.    ....             15 

III.  THE  BONSECODR  HOME.         .            .  .            .23 

IV.  DIANTIIA'S  MISSION.           ....  31 
V.  MRS.  HOWELL  AT  HOME.        .            .            .            .39 

VI.  CHRISTMAS.             .....            50 

VII.  AT  HOME  AND  ABROAD.          .            .            .            .60 

VIII.  EDNA'S  CONVALESCENCE.                ...            69 

IX.  CAPTAIN  ASHMEAD.      .            .            .            .            .78 

X.  EDNA'S  RELATIVES.            ....            87 

XI.  PLANS  AND  PROSPECTS.            .            .            .            .97 

XII.  THE  DOCTOR'S  LETTER.     ....           108 

XIII.  MAKING  PROGRESS.      .  .            .           .            .118 

XIV.  THE  MORNING  VISITOR.     ....           127 
XV.  MRS.  HOWELL'S  RETURN.        ....     136 

XVI.  MRS.  GOODENOW'S  ENGAGEMENT.             .            .           146 

XVII.  RALPH  GOODENOW.       .....     155 

XVIII.  AFTER  THE  PLAY.               ....           164 

XIX.  GUARDIANS  AND  WARD.           ....     174 

XX.  PASSING  CLOUDS.    .....           184 

(5) 


731003 


6  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTEB  PAGE 

XXI.  MOTHER  AND  DAUGHTER.    ....     194 

XXII.  THE  SPRINGS.     .....  204 

XXIII.  CONNECTING  LINKS.  ....    214 

XXIV.  CARRHAVEN 224 

XXV.  STEPHEN.      .            .            .            .            .  .234 

XXVI.  GOING  ABROAD.              ....  243 

XXVII.  THE  PARDON.                       .            .            .  .253 

XXVIII.  FOREIGN  AND  HOME  ITEMS.      .            .            .  263 

XXTX.  AT  SEA.         .             .            .            .            .  .273 

XXX.  STEPHEN'S  RETURN.        ....  283 

XXXI.  HARVESTING.     .                     .            .            .  .293 

XXXII.  MRS.  ARTHUR'S  POLICY.            .            .            .  303 

XXXIII.  HIDDEN  SPRINGS.      .            .            .            .  .313 

XXXIV.  LEAVE-TAKING.    .....  323 

XXXV.  THE  DOCTOR'S  WARD.         .            .            .  .334 

XXXVI.  THE  ANGELS  OF  LIFE  AND  DEATH.     .            .  344 

XXXVII.  CONCLUSION.  .    353 


DR.  HOWELL'S   FAMILY. 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE     WRECK     OF     THE     STELLA. 

"  Down  came  the  storm,  and  smote  amain 

The  vessel  in  its  strength ; 
She  shuddered  and  plunged  like  a  frighted  steed, 
Then  leaped  her  cable's  length." 

"  WHAT  do  you  make  of  that  light,  captain  ?  " 

"  Hamilton  Light,  entrance  to  Carrhaven ;  and  would  to 
God  we  were  safely  anchored  there." 

"Hadn't  we  better  hoist  our  signals  of  distress,  and  trust 
to  the  chance  of  drifting  within  reach  of  assistance  ?  " 

"  I'm  afraid  'tis  our  only  chance.  The  rudder  is  so 
choked  with  ice  as  to  be  useless,  and  ice  is  making  so  rap- 
idly on  the  rigging  and  decks  that  our  poor  bark  must  sink 
beneath  the  weight  before  many  hours.  Hilton,  order  a 
kettle  of  hot  coffee  to  be  served  among  the  men.  How 
many  are  still  able  to  work  ?  " 

"  Only  four ;  Spencer,  Ridley,  Doherty,  and  Quinn  were 
so  badly  frozen  last  night  that  they  are  disabled." 

"  Poor  fellows !  It  might  have  been  better  for  us  all 
if  we  had  been  swept  overboard  by  the  breaker  that  swal- 
lowed our  Greek  boy.  But,  Hilton,  don't  let  the  men 

(7) 


8  DR.  UOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

know  that  my  hope  is  ebbing.  Keep  up  their  spirits,  and 
tell  them  we  are  almost  within  sight  of  any  craft  that  may 
be  anchored  in  Carrhaven  roads.  I  will  remain  on  the 
lookout." 

The  good  bark  Stella,  from  Smyrna,  laden  with  fruit, 
and  commanded  by  Captain  Ashmead,  was  bound  for  New 
York ;  and  only  twenty-four  hours  before  this  memorable 
morning  of  the  21st  of  December,  185-,  her  officers  had 
counted,  with  as  much  assurance  as  sailors  can  ever  feel, 
on  a  safe  anchorage  in  New  York  harbor  before  night. 
The  wind  was  then  south,  and  a  drenching  rain  had  satu- 
rated every  thread  of  canvas :  before  midday  on  the  20th 
the  wind  had  veered  to  the  north-west,  and  a  blinding 
storm  of  snow  had  set  in.  So  suddenly  had  the  weather 
changed,  and  so  drenched  were  the  sails,  that,  despite  the 
utmost  despatch  in  clewing,  reefing,  and  taking  in  canvas 
to  make  the  vessel  snug,  the  ice  accumulated  so  fast,  and 
the  gale  increased  so  rapidly,  that  the  bark  was  driven  to 
the  north-east  under  a  heavy  press  of  frozen  canvas. 

Then,  in  less  than  twelve  hours  after  the  storm  burst 
upon  them,  the  thermometer  had  sunk  to  eight  degrees 
below  zero,  and  the  rudder  and  helm  had  become  so  clogged 
with  ice  that  they  were  of  no  service  in  working  the  bark. 
A  few  more  hours  of  drifting  and  beating,  with  ice  ac- 
cumulating on  the  decks,  and  then  with  a  sudden  thump, 
which  snapped  the  mainmast  and  lifted  every  man  from 
his  feet,  the  poor  Stella  struck  a  sand-bar  not  one  half  mile 
from  shore.  But  between  this  shore  and  the  disabled 
bark,  the  hungry  sea  was  breaking  in  such  furious  waves 
that  assistance  from  the  land  was  impossible. 

It  was  twenty-four  hours  after  the  rising  of  the  gale 
before  the  Stella  struck;  and  now  night  was  approaching; 
the  breakers  were  sweeping  the  decks,  the  vessel  striking 
on  the  head  sands  with  sufficient  force,  at  each  concussion, 


THE    WRECK   OF    THE    STELLA.  9 

to  demolish  a  ship  of  ordinary  construction  ;  the  men 
worn  with  exertion,  and  nearly  every  one  badly  frost-bitten ; 
and  no  chance  of  relief  till  the  tide  ebbed,  and  scarce  a 
ray  of  hope  that  the  Stella  could  live  an  hour. 

As  yet  her  hull  was  unbroken  and  tight,  and  Captain 
Ashmead,  John  Hilton  (the  first  mate),  and  all  who  could 
use  an  axe  were  cutting  away  the  stays,  rigging,  and  masts 
to  ease  the  hull  of  weight ;  it  would  be  difficult  to  conceive 
of  a  situation  more  perilous  and  distressing  than  the  wreck 
of  the  Stella  now  presented. 

"  Hilton,  if  we  could  succeed  in  launching  the  long-boat, 
is  there  a  chance  she  could  live  in  this  sea  ?  " 

"  'Tis  worth  trying,  sir." 

"  Then,  my  hearties,  cut  away  the  stanchions  and  bul- 
warks, that  the  boat  may  be  more  easily  launched ;  and  all 
who  wish  may  accept  their  chances  to  live  in  it.  I  must 
bring  our  cabin  passengers  up  to  this  deck,  as  the  bark 
may  bilge  at  any  moment." 

And  before  the  long-boat  was  ready  to  grapple  with  the 
angry  waves,  there  stood  upon  the  deck,  by  Captain  Ash- 
mead's  side,  a  woman,  a  young  girl,  and  a  lad,  the  widow 
and  children  of  Nathan  Shreve,  whom  Captain  Ashmead 
had  found  nearly  destitute  in  Smyrna,  and  had  offered  them 
a  passage  to  New  York  in  the  Stella.  Mrs.  Shreve  had 
distant  relatives  in  New  England,  and  hoping  to  receive 
assistance  from  them,  or  at  least  in  her  native  land  to  find 
some  honest  work  by  which  she  and  her  children  could  live, 
she  gratefully  accepted  Captain  Ashmead's  offer. 

"Mrs.  Shreve,  I  think  it  best  you  should  know  the  perils 
of  our  situation.  'Tis  hardly  in  the  power  of  man  to  save 
us.  We  think  there  is  one  chance  that  the  long-boat  may 
live  in  this  sea,  and  there  is  a  chance  that  this  wreck  may 
hold  together  till  the  tide  ebbs,  and  assistance  can  reach  us 
from  the  land.  Which  chance  will  you  choose  ?  " 


10  DR.  HOWKLL'S  FAMILY. 

The  large,  anxious  eyes  of  the  mother  rested  for  a  mo- 
ment on  the  fair  face  of  the  girl,  and  then  turned  towards 
the  huge,  foam-crested  breakers  upon  which  the  long-boat 
was  now  shivering  and  plunging. 

"  I  will  remain  with  yon  on  the  wreck." 

"  Then,  my  hearties,  you  can  do  nothing  more  to  save 
our  good  ship  :  take  your  choice  between  her  hull  and  the 
boat,  and  may  God  Almighty  have  mercy  on  you." 

"  I  shall  live  or  die  with  you,"  answered  John  Hilton ; 
and  he  disappeared  down  the  gangway,  but  returned 
immediately,  bringing  with  him  several  blankets,  which 
he  wrapped  around  the  woman  and  her  children,  and  then, 
fastening  them  as  securely  as  possible  to  the  bulwarks, 
be  gave  his  assistance  to  the  men  who  had  chosen  the 
life-boat. 

Four  sailors  in  turn  knelt  before  Captain  Ashmead, 
embracing  his  knees,  and  entreating  him  to  share  the  bout 
with  them ;  but  with  the  kindest  thanks  for  their  past 
services  and  their  affectionate  interest  in  him,  he  begged 
them  to  leave  him,  as  he  was  determined  to  remain  by 
the  wreck. 

They  succeeded  in  getting  into  the  boat,  but  so  be- 
numbed and  frozen  were  their  hands,  so  clogged  with  ice 
was  their  clothing,  that  their  attempts  to  keep  the  boat's 
head  to  the  sea  were  futile,  and  in  less  than  five  minutes 
after  she  struck  the  waves  she  capsized,  and  the  four  men 
perished  in  sight  of  the  remaining  sufferers  upon  the 
hull. 

At  midnight  the  tide  began  to  ebb ;  the  gale  subsided, 
and  the  clouds  drifted  away,  so  that  the  moon's  light  now 
revealed  to  Captain  Ashmead  more  of  the  horrors  of  his 
situation  than  the  darkness  had  permitted  him  to  know. 
The  second  mate  had  been  washed  overboard,  his  hands 
and  limbs  so  frozen  that  he  could  no  longer  cling  to  the 


THE    WKECK   OP   THE    STELLA.  11 

rigging.  The  bodies  of  two  sailors,  stiff  and  stark,  re- 
mained bound  to  the  bulwarks,  no  longer  conscious  of  cold, 
and  the  blue  eyes  of  little  Nathan  Shreve  stared  from 
their  marble  lids  upon  the  foaming,  cruel  breakers,  which 
could  no  longer  appall  or  harm  him.  The  last  words  that 
Captain  Ashmead  had  heard  in  the  darkness  were  little 
Nathan's. 

"  Mother,  I'm  not  so  cold  now,  and  I'm  getting  sleepy." 

"  Good  night,  my  boy." 

"  Good  night,  mother ;  but  I  do  want  you  to  kiss  me." 

There  was  no  reply,  not  even  a  sigh  or  groan  to  tell  the 
agony  of  that  mother's  heart,  whose  lips  could  not  reach 
the  cold  cheek  of  her  dying  boy,  though  scarcely  three  feet 
separated  them.  She  had  talked  and  sung  to  her  children 
until  her  exhaustion  no  longer  permitted  her  the  use  of 
speech ;  and  now  her  only  hope  was  to  awake  with  them 
where  "  there  was  no  more  sea." 

Only  the  captain,  first  mate,  Mrs.  Shreve,  her  daughter 
Edna,  and  two  sailors,  now  remained  upon  the  hull.  The 
vessel  had  broken  in  two  amidships,  and  every  sea  was 
reducing  her  to  fragments.  Owing  to  the  exhaustion  of 
their  physical  strength,  and  to  the  hopeless,  pai-alyzed  con- 
dition of  all  their  senses,  no  words  were  spoken  by  the 
survivors,  no  groans  escaped,  and  no  sounds  were  heard 
but  the  heavy  thump  and  dull  grating  of  the  wreck  upon 
the  sands,  or  the  rasping  crack  of  some  dissevered  plank, 
or  the  hissing,  angry  roar  of  the  breakers,  during  those 
midnight  hours,  when  six  souls  awaited  in  hopeless  agony 
their  release  by  death. 

But  at  last,  after  what  seemed  to  Captain  Ashmead  an 
interminable  night  of  watching,  he  knew  that  with  the  ebb 
tide  the  sea  was  falling,  and  he  felt  there  was  a  chance  that 
the  remnant  of  the  hull  would  hold  together  until  assist- 
ance could  reach  them. 


12  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

It  was  now  early  morning,  and  in  the  gray  light  he  could 
clearly  distinguish  a  brig,  securely  anchored  in  Carrhaven 
roads,  not  a  half  mile  distant.  O,  if  she  had  seen  their 
signals  of  distress,  and  had  been  waiting  for  the  ebb  tide 
to  give  her  a  chance  to  attempt  their  rescue!  Captain 
Ashmead  was  almost  too  benumbed  and  exhausted  for 
speech;  but,  rallying  as  cheerful  a  voice  as  possible,  he 
called  out,  "  Courage,  courage,  my  good  men  and  women ! 
Take  heart ;  I  believe  there's  a  chance  for  us  yet !  "  And 
in  a  mimite  more,  with  his  eyes  still  fastened  on  the  brig, 
he  exclaimed,  — 

"Thank  God !  Yonder  ship  is  getting  out  her  long-boat. 
She  has  seen  our  peril,  and  is  coming  to  save  us." 

John  Hilton  responded,  — 

"  Ay,  ay,  sir ;  pray  Heaven  she  may  not  be  too  late." 

Edna  called,  faintly,  "Dear  mother,  we  may  yet  see 
land ; "  and  receiving  no  reply,  again  she  called,  "  Wake 
up,  mother;  there's  hope  for  us." 

The  blankets  in  which  she  was  wrapped  were  so  thickly 
encased  in  ice  she  could  not  turn  to  see  that  her  mother 
had  reached  a  haven  of  rest.  Words  cannot  describe  the 
agonizing  suspense  of  the  next  two  hours,  while  the  brig's 
long-boat  was  hovering  within  a  hundred  yards  of  the 
wreck,  not  daring  to  approach  nearer,  lest  she  should  be 
swallowed  up ;  and  meantime  the  wreck  was  fast  breaking 
up  and  settling  in  the  sand.  And  just  then  —  it  seemed 
to  Captain  Ashmead  a  heavenly  interposition  —  a  large 
field  of  ice  drifted  by  the  wreck  to  windward,  and  kept  the 
sea  from  breaking;  and  while  it  was  passing,  all  within  ten 
minutes'  space  of  time,  the  boat's  crew  from  the  brig  pulled 
in  alongside  the  wreck.  The  two  sailors  had  just  enough 
strength  to  throw  themselves  into  the  boat.  Captain  Ash- 
mead and  John  Hilton  were  too  much  benumbed  to  cut 
the  ropes  which  secured  Edna  to  the  bulwarks,  and  two 


THE    WKECK    OF    TUB    STELLA.  13 

men  from  the  boat,  with  great  difficulty,  boarded  the  wreck, 
and  lifted  her  over  the  side  to  the  arms  of  two  more  strong 
sailors.  She  was  immediately  followed  by  Captain  Ash- 
mead  and  his  mate,  and  the  poor,  stark,  frozen  bodies  of 
Mrs.  Shreve  and  her  boy  were  left  to  find  a  burial  with 
the  wreck  of  the  Stella.  There  was  no  other  way,  fpr 
every  second  was  precious,  and  the  long-boat  could  be 
freighted  only  with  those  whom  there  was  hope  of 
saving. 

"  My  mother  and  Nathan,  Captain  Ashmead !  you  have 
left  them,"  cried  Edna. 

"  My  poor  girl,  they  are  already  at  rest.  The  sea  will 
bury  your  dead." 

"  Frozen !  Dead !  And  I  am  alone  in  this  cruel  world ! 
O  captain,  throw  me  overboard,"  moaned  the  poor  girl. 
And  the  only  two  living  souls  that  even  knew  her  name 
were  so  nearly  unconscious  from  cold  and  exhaustion  as  to 
be  unable  to  soothe  her  agony  with  words. 

In  the  comfortable  cabin  of  the  brig  Champion  every 
attention  was  bestowed  upon  the  survivors  of  the  Stella 
that  the  generous  kindness  of  the  brig's  officers  could 
suggest. 

The  gale  had  so  far  subsided  by  midday  on  the  22d 
that  the  Champion  was  got  under  way,  and  her  captain 
made  all  possible  despatch  to  place  his  patients  under  the 
care  of  a  physician.  Hanthrop  being  the  nearest  port 
where  suitable  medical  attendance  could  be  found,  he 
made  for  that  place,  and  arrived  there  in  less  than  twelve 
hours  after  leaving  Can-haven  roads.  The  survivors  of  the 
Stella  were  at  once  conveyed  to  the  "  Bonsecour  Home," 
and  Dr.  Stephen  Howell  was  called  to  attend  them ;  but 
as  only  two  of  them,  Captain  Ashmead  and  Edna  Shreve, 
will  find  further  place  in  this  story,  we  will  simply  say 
that  John  Hilton  escaped  with  the  loss  of  one  foot  and 


14  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

three  fingers.  Poor  Dick  Bryan  lost  both  feet  and  one 
hand,  and  Michael  Reardon  one  limb  to  the  knee,  and  one 
hand  ;  and  in  the  Marine  Asylum,  where  they  have  found  a 
home,  they  still  relate  to  wondering,  sympathizing  mates 
the  horrors  of  the  wreck  of  the  Stella. 


DB.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY.  •        15 


CHAPTER  IL 
DE.   HOWELL'S   FAMILY. 

"  She  doeth  little  kindnesses 
Which  most  leave  undone,  or  despise; 
For  nought  that  sets  one  heart  at  ease, 
And  giveth  happiness  or  peace, 
Is  low  esteemed  in  her  eyes." 

LOWELL. 

DE.  HOWELL  sat  with  his  wife  aud  children  in  as  pleas- 
ant a  parlor  as  a  contented  and  quiet  heart  could  ask  for. 
It  was  not  embellished  with  expensive  furniture  nor  costly 
pictures,  but  the  harmonious  adaptation  of  every  article  in 
the  room  to  the  needs  and  tastes  of  its  occupants  made  it  a 
most  attractive  place.  Books,  rare  engravings,  and  flower- 
ing plants  met  the  eye  on  all  sides,  while  a  bright  coal  fire 
in  an  open  grate  gave  a  cheerfully  warm  welcome  to  the 
doctor  when  he  came  in  from  his  evening  round  of  calls. 

"We  have  the  prospect  of  delightfully  cold,  frosty 
weather  for  Christmas,"  said  Diantha  Howell,  the  doctor's 
daughter,  more  for  the  purpose  of  drawing  her  father  into 
conversation  than  because  she  deemed  the  remark  original 
or  worthy  of  utterance. 

"  Who  ever  heard  of  delightfully  cold  weather  ?  "  queried 
Mrs.  Howell,  with  a  shrug  of  her  shoulders  and  a  peculiar 
tone  of  voice,  telling  a  sensitive  ear  that  the  doctor's  wife 
had  a  mind  of  her  own,  and  never  echoed  another's  opinions 
if  she  could  find  a  shadow  of  an  excuse  for  differing. 

"Why,  mother,  it   sometimes   seems   to  me  as  if  the 


16        •  DR.  HOAVELL'S  FAMILY. 

cheerful  comfort  and  warmth  of  our  home  were  greatly  en- 
hanced by  frost  upon  the  windows  and  stinging  cold  out- 
side. Christmas  would  be  stale  and  flat  if  it  came  in 
August ;  and  then  in  a  hot,  sultry  day  we  should  lose  the 
pleasure  of  carrying  mittens,  and  mufflers,  and  jackets,  and 
shawls  to  our  poor."  And  Diantha  cast  an  admiring  glance 
at  the  generous  pile  of  warm  things  upon  her  work-table, 
the  larger  part  of  which  were  the  products  of  her  own  deft 
hands. 

"  You  forget,  child,  that  if  we  had  warm  weather  all  the 
time,  your  poor  people  wouldn't  need  those  presents." 

"  That's  true ;  but  they  might  need  things  instead  which 
wouldn't  be  half  so  pleasant  to  make  or  give.  Now,  the 
most  agreeable  part  of  Christmas  for  me  will  be  the  distri- 
bution of  these  gifts  to-morrow,  because  I  know  each  one 
of  my  poor  people's  wants  so  well,  and  have  made  and  se- 
lected these  articles  especially  for  them." 

"  How  do  you  know  but  Mrs.  Jenks  will  have  half  a 
dozen  sacques  and  sontags  given  her,  besides  those  which 
you  have  spent  so  much  precious  time  upon  ?  "  asked  Mrs. 
Howell. 

"  And  Tommy  Jenks  will  swap  his  mittens  and  scarf  for 
a  jackknife  with  the  first  boy  that  wants  to  trade,"  added 
Miss  Louise  Goodenow,  with  a  faint  echo  of  her  mother's 
tone  and  manner. 

It  may  be  as  well  to  say  here,  that,  although  Diantha  was 
the  doctor's  eldest  child,  inheriting  many  qualities  of  his 
heart  and  brain,  her  half-sister,  Louise  Goodenow,  was  Mrs. 
Howell's  eldest  and  favorite.  Mrs.  Howell  was  a  young 
widow  with  a  handsome  face,  and  a  charming  little  girl, 
and  a  pretty  fortune  of  her  own,  when  Dr.  Howell  was 
called  in  to  attend  the  child. 

He  found  little  Lou  seriously  ill  with  scarlatina,  and  the 
young  mother  pale  and  interesting  in  her  widow's  weeds. 


DR.  no  WELL'S  FAMILY.  ~  17 

Woman  rarely  looks  more  lovely  than  when  ministering  to 
the  necessities  of  pain  and  suffering,  and  the  anxious 
love  for  her  child  which  shone  in  Mrs.  Goodenow's  bright 
eyes  added  the  charm  of  expression  to  a  face  that  was 
beautiful  in  coloring  and  features.  Dr.  Howell  had  an 
artist's  eye  and  a  susceptible  nature ;  and  what  sooner  stirs 
a  generous,  manly  soul  than  the  sight  of  a  beautiful  wo- 
man, suffering,  grieved,  and  alone  in  the  world  ? 

What  wonder,  when  there  was  no  longer  need  for  pro- 
fessional calls,  that  Dr.  Howell  accepted  the  grateful  moth- 
er's invitation  to  call  as  a  friend  ? 

Then  came  the  winter  evenings,  and  the  young  doctor 
had  more  leisure  than  was  conducive  to  his  professional 
reputation,  and  Mrs.  Goodenow  was  fond  of  poetry,  and 
the  doctor  read  well. 

It  was  so  pleasant  for  Mrs.  Goodenow  to  find  a  friend  in 
the  physician  who  had  probably  saved  the  life  of  her 
darling  child  —  and  such  a  friend,  with  a  nature  tender, 
generous,  and  sympathetic  enough  to  understand  her  grief, 
that  as  a  matter  of  course  she  told  him  the  story  of  her 
life; — the  sweet,  beautiful  dream  of  wedded  happiness 
which  she  enjoyed  with  her  dear,  departed  Arthur,  who 
lived  scarcely  a  year  after  their  marriage,  and  was  called 
away  before  little  Lou's  eyes  had  looked  upon  his  noble 
face. 

The  story  was  so  brokenly  and  touchingly  told,  inter- 
rupted so  frequently  with  tears,  which  were  soon  dried, 
that  the  third  time  its  pathetic  variations  fell  upon  the 
doctor's  ears,  the  strongholds  of  his  heart  yielded,  and  the 
beautiful  widow's  tears  flowed  no  longer. 

Before  little  Lou  had  counted  the  days  of  her  second 

summer,  her  mamma  had  laid  aside  the  "  grief  that  boiled 

over  in  billows  of  crape"  —  had  found  white  satin  and 

tulle,  orange  flowers,  and  delicate  shades  more  in  harmony 

2 


18  DK.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

with  her  peculiar  style  of  features  and  complexion  than  the 
sombre  hue  of  her  serge  and  crape ;  and  so  her  widow's 
weeds  and  grief  were  buried  beneath  the  becoming  bridal 
trousseau  of  Mrs.  Stephen  Howell. 

It  was  not  a  pleasant  awakening  from  the  doctor's  first 
sweet  dream  of  love,  to  find  that  beneath  the  fair  exterior 
of  his  wife  there  was  much  selfishness,  much  worldly  am- 
bition and  pride,  little  intelligence  and  less  love.  But  the 
awakening  was  mercifully  slow,  and  his  vision  was  not 
cleared  from  the  cobwebs  of  fancy  until  the  father's  love 
for  his  first-born  child  came  to  soothe  the  husband's  disap- 
pointment. 

Soon  after  the  birth  of  his  child  the  doctor's  heart  had 
been  awakened,  enlarged,  and  purified  by  the  power  of 
divine  love ;  his  life  was  a  beautiful  illustration  of  that 
wisdom  which  is  "  first  pure,  then  peaceable,  gentle,  and 
easy  to  be  entreated,  full  of  mercy  and  good  works." 

His  practice  was  also  increasing  rapidly,  and  the  duties 
of  his  profession  and  the  love  for  his  child  left  in  his  heart 
little  room  for  repinings. 

Twenty  years  have  passed  since  Dr.  Howell  took  the 
beautiful  widow  and  her  little  Louise  to  his  heart  and 
home,  and  we  now  raise  the  curtain  and  reveal  the  sancti- 
ties of  that  home  only  to  show  by  contrast  the  beauty  of 
that  charity  which  "  sufiereth  long  and  is  kind  "  —  to  por- 
tray that  pure  religion  which  enables  its  possessor  "to 
keep  himself  unspotted  from  the  world." 

Dr.  Howell  is  fifty  years  of  age ;  his  face  much  improved 
by  that  expression  which  intelligent  culture,  charity, 
earnest  work,  and  victory  over  self  leave,  despite  his  gray 
hairs  and  furrowed  cheeks.  Looking  at  him,  you  would 
see  only  the  noble,  generous  manhood  stamped  upon  his 
face,  and  would  forget  to  notice  whether  his  hair  were 
thin, his  beard  gray,  or  his  features  regular.  But  you  could 


DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY.  19 

not  fail  to  observe  that  Mrs.  Howell's  beauty  was  in  a  most 
remarkable  state  of  preservation,  considering  she  was  the 
mother  of  the  elegant  Miss  Goodenow.  Her  maturity  had 
none  of  the  sweet  Indian  summer  charm  which  we  some- 
times see  in  faces  softened  by  silver  hair,  subdued  by  sor- 
row, and  elevated  by  thought.  You  were  at  once  made 
conscious  —  and  somehow  you  intuitively  felt  that  the  lady 
herself  was  keenly  alive  to  the  agreeable  fact  —  that  Mrs. 
Dr.  Howell  was  well  dressed  and  fine-looking.  She  was  a 
professing  Christian,  and  if  all  things  favored,  went  to 
church  every  Sabbath  morning ;  paid  monthly  sums  to  the 
charitable  institutions  of  the  church;  and  when  an  old 
garment  was  no  longer  serviceable,  she  gave  it  to  the  Dor- 
cas Society,  to  be  made  over  for  some  poor  person.  All 
her  charities  flowed  through  the  legitimate  church  chan- 
nels. She  did  not  approve  of  hunting  up  poor,  worthless 
creatures,  whom  nobody  knew  anything  about,  to  spend 
time  and  money  upon. 

Miss  Louise  Goodenow  was  very  like  her  mother,  pos- 
sessing even  greater  physical  beauty,  with  the  added  charm 
of  youth  and  accomplishments.  She  did  many  things  well 
and  gracefully,  as  indeed  she  well  might  do,  living  as  she 
did  for  her  own  selfish  gratification,  and  studying  no  one's 
pleasure  but  her  own.  Having  a  decided  taste  for  music, 
she  had  cultivated  it  until  she  had  acquired  an  artistic 
style  of  execution  quite  above  the  comprehension  of  com- 
mon minds ;  and  she  rarely  condescended  to  play  a  popular, 
favorite  air  for  the  pleasure  of  those  who  could  not  ap- 
preciate classical  music.  Then  her  reading  and  pronuncia- 
tion of  French  were  almost  equal  to  a  Parisian's;  at  least 
Monsieur  Sonrelle  had  often  assured  her  so.  She  crocheted 
and  embroidered  unexceptionably,  and  always  had  some 
dainty  bit  of  work  ready  to  take  up  if  her  practice  was  dis- 
turbed by  callers,  some  of  whom  were  envious  enough  to 


20  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

affirm  that  this  industrious  habit  was  only  a  pretext  for 
showing  to  advantage  a  pretty,  white  hand.  There  were 
certain  seasons  of  the  year  when  Miss  Goodenow  was  re- 
ligiously inclined,  and  went  to  church  so  becomingly  and 
fashionably  attired  that  many  of  her  less  favored  sisters 
forgot  the  object  for  which  they  were  assembled,  in  admi- 
ration of  this  well-dressed  worshipper.  Miss  Goodenow 
had  been  confirmed,  and  from  that  happy  day  had  confided 
the  interests  of  her  soul  entirely  to  the  church. 

Diantha  —  "a  horrible,  heathenish  name  for  a  girl,"  — 
Mrs.  Howell  had  affirmed,  when  the  doctor  begged  to  name 
his  soft,  pink  bit  of  humanity  for  his  mother.  But  his 
wishes  prevailed,  and  the  little  one  was  christened  by  the 
father's  love  Diantha,  Daisy,  or  Di,  just  as  his  mood  might 
dictate ;  and  now,  when  the  owner  of  this  name  is  in- 
troduced to  my  readers,  she  is  nineteen  years  of  age,  — 
three  years  younger  than  her  half-sister,  —  and  so  fre- 
quently overlooked  in  the  presence  of  that  elegant  young 
lady,  that  she  has  doubtless  acquired  the  habit  of  forgetting 
self,  as  there  never  lived  a  young  maiden  who  seemed  less 
conscious  of  personal  attractions  and  merits.  If  she  has 
any  beauty,  it  is  rather  the  effect  of  soul  than  of  features, 
and  cannot  be  described ;  you  will  catch  glimmerings  of 
her  style  here  and  there,  as  the  incidents  of  this  story  shall 
develop  her  character.  She  is  not  accomplished,  like  Miss 
Goodenow,  but  does  a  little  of  everything  so  well  that  she 
is  constantly  running  at  the  beck  and  call  of  each  member 
of  the  family. 

Stephen  Howell,  Jr.,  an  intelligent,  healthy  young  sopho- 
more, overflowing  with  animal  spirits,  sentiment,  poetry, 
and  fun,  two  years  younger  than  Diantha,  and  not  only  her 
pride  and  pet,  but  her  especial  "  thorn  in  the  flesh,"  com- 
pletes the  group  gathered  around  the  doctor's  parlor  fire 
on  the  evening  of  the  23d  of  December,  185-. 


DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY.  21 

Diantha  stood  silent  for  some  minutes  after  the  rebuffs 
she  had  received  from  her  mother  and  Louise,  looking 
thoughtfully  and  lovingly  upon  her  pile  of  Christinas  gifts, 
while  Mrs.  Howell  crocheted  with  an  energy  that  be- 
tokened displeasure,  and  the  elegant  Miss  Goodenow 
studied  the  fashion-plate  of  a  new  magazine. 

"  Stephen,  you  must  help  me  in  the  distribution  of  my 
gifts  to-inorrow,"  said  Diantha,  turning  to  her  brother, 
who  was  lost  in  the  pages  of  "  David  Copperfield." 

"Must,  a  word  which,  used  by  the  goddess  Diana,  has 
no  variation  of  mood  or  tense ;  I  shall  have  no  choice  but 
to  obey." 

"  O,  thank  you  !  and  remember,  I  must  have  a  horse  and 
sleigh  at  the  door  as  early  as  two  o'clock." 

"  Your  wishes  are  my  law,"  answered  Stephen,  with  a 
mock  military  salute. 

"  Daisy,  you  must  not  make  such  a  disposal  of  your  time 
that  you  cannot  give  me  two  hours  to-morrow." 

"  I  am  never  so  busy,  father,  but  I  can  make  time  for 
your  wants.  What  hours  will  suit  you  best  ?  " 

"  From  ten  till  twelve  in  the  morning.  I  want  you  to 
go  with  me  to  the  Bonsecour  Home ;  I  have  some  difficult 
work  to  do  there,  and  your  strong  little  hands  can  help  me. 
There  is  a  child  there  that  needs  you." 

"  I  will  be  ready,  father." 

"  Now,  doctor,  don't  take  Di  where  there's  any  danger 
from  infectious  diseases.  It  is  bad  enough  for  you  to  go  to 
infirmaries,  hospitals,  retreats,  and  houses  of  refuge  ;  but  to 
drag  a  delicate  young  lady  into  contact  with  all  sorts  of 
low,  worthless,  vulgar,  and  diseased  people,  is  shocking." 
Mrs.  Howell's  looks  and  tones  expressed  more  disgust  than 
her  words;  and  Miss  Goodenow's  echo  of  " Very  shock- 
ing !  I  wouldn't  put  myself  in  the  way  of  seeing  so  much 
filth  and,  suffering  for  any  money,"  added  emphasis  to  the 
maternal  disapproval. 


22  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

The  doctor's  face  showed  that  he  had  buckled  on  an 
armor  that  was  proof  against  opposition. 

"  I'll  take  good  care  of  Daisy ;  there's  a  poor  little  waif 
from  the  wreck  Stella,  who  needs  just  the  kind  of  comfort 
that  Daisy  can  give.  Did  you  see  the  account  of  the  wreck 
in  the  morning  papers  ?  " 

There  was  no  response  excepting  from  Di ;  she  had  seen 
the  account.  And  then  the  doctor  told  the  story  as  he 
had  gathered  it  from  Captain  Ashmead,  with  many  touch- 
ing details  not  found  in  the  "  Morning  News  "  —  told  it  so 
graphically,  and  with  such  hearty  sympathy,  that  Mrs. 
Howell's  crocheting  dropped  when  he  described  little 
Nathan's  last  good  night.  The  doctor's  wife  had  shed 
some  natural  tears  over  two  little  graves ;  her  grief  some- 
what modified  by  remembering  that,  "whom  the  gods  love 
die  young."  Miss  Louise  laid  down  her  fashion-book  and 
made  appropriate  exclamations.  Diantha's  brown  eyes 
overflowed  with  tears,  and  the  young  sophomore  found  it 
necessary  to  take  observations  of  the  weather  from  behind 
the  window  curtains. 


THE   BONSECOUK  HOME.  23 


CHAPTER  III. 

THE     BONSECOUB     HOME. 

"  I  count  this  thing  to  be  grandly  true  — 
That  a  noble  deed  is  a  step  toward8  God, 
Lifting  the  soul  from  the  common  sod 
To  a  purer  air  and  a  broader  view." 

J.  G.  HOLLAND. 

THE  day  before  Christinas  was,  as  Diantha  had  predicted, 
delightfully  cold  ;  but  wrapped  warmly  and  walking  vigor- 
ously by  her  father's  side,  she  looked  as  if  she  could  defy 
the  winter's  frost  in  any  region  south  of  Greenland. 

The  doctor  was  in  one  of  his  silent  moods,  and  his 
daughter  knew  by  one  glance  at?  his  face  that  some  patient 
was  giving  him  anxious  thought  and  study.  He  had  no 
eyes  for  the  gay  Christinas  wreaths  which  decorated  the 
handsome  houses  on  Hawthorn  Avenue  and  Locust  Street ; 
never  turned  to  look  at  the  skaters  on  the  common,  and 
gave  no  heed  to  the  passers-by,  even  when  accosted  by  a 
friend's  good  morning. 

But  Diantha  had  eyes  and  ears  for  all,  and  put  a  dou- 
ble sweetness  and  cordiality  into  her  smiles  of  recognition, 
because  of  her  father's  abstraction.  Her  quick  sympathies 
flowed  out  in  harmony  with  the  brisk,  merry,  cheerful  life 
of  the  morning.  She  stopped  once  or  twice  to  touch  the 
dimpled  cheek  of  a  child,  and  once  to  pick  up  an  unfortu- 
nate urchin,  whose  feet  had  gone  astray,  and  with  quick 
steps  she  rescued  the  apple  lost  by  the  boy  in  his  fall,  and 
restored  it  to  the  red,  chubby  hand  of  the  owner  with  a 


24  DK.  HOWELL'S  FAMTLY. 

kind,  encouraging  pat  upon  his  shoulder,  and  an  assurance 
that  he  was  "  all  right  now." 

Diantha  was  no  stranger  at  the  Bonsecour  Home,  and  as 
she  passed  from  room  to  room  with  her  father,  her  bright 
face  and  hopeful  words  seemed  to  infuse  new  life  to  each 
patient ;  many  voices  blessed  her,  and  many  worn,  pale 
faces  were  lighted  with  grateful  emotion  as  she  passed 
along. 

"  Where  shall  I  find  the  child  you  spoke  of,  father  ?  " 

"  In  the  west  wing ;  but  I'm  not  ready  for  you  to  go 
there  yet.  Come  with  me  first  to  the  operating  room.  Is 
your  pulse  cool  and  steady  this  morning  ?  Give  me  your 
hand ;  you  are  a  strong  little  woman,  Daisy." 

"  I  hope  I  can  be  both  brave  and  strong  when  such  traits 
are  needed." 

Every  assistant  in  the  Home  knew  that  Dr.  Howell's 
time  was  precious,  and  his  work  was  usually  ready  for  him 
when  he  entered  the  operating  room.  His  words  to  his 
patients  were  few,  but  hearty;  to  his  assistants,  plain, 
decided,  and  peremptory.  There  was  no  hesitation  of 
voice  or  manner  about  Dr.  Howell ;  his  keen,  clear  'brown 
eyes  seemed  to  read  at  a  glance  the  necessities  of  the  case, 
and  the  means  to  be  used  for  the  relief  of  the  sufferer. 

"  Diantha,  I  am  going  to  introduce  you  to  the  captain  of 
the  wrecked  Stella,  and  if  amputation  of  one  of  his  limbs 
is  necessary,  I  want  you  to  hold  one  of  his  hands,  and  cheer 
him  with  your  words  and  presence." 

The  doctor's  long  practice  had  taught  him  that  a  wo- 
man's presence  by  the  couch  of  suffering  gave  strength 
and  courage  to  the  patient. 

"  Good  morning,  Captain  Ashmead ;  I've  brought  my 
daughter  to  see  you." 

"  Thank  you ;  Miss  Howell  is  welcome." 

The  doctor's  good  morning  was  hardly  uttered  before  he 


THE   BONSECOUR   HOME.  25 

was  removing  bandages  from  the  captain's  limbs,  which 
had  been  badly  frost-bitten,  talking  cheerfully  meanwhile. 

"Ay,  captain,  you'll  come  out  from  the  perils  of  that 
wreck  not  much  the  worse  for  the  wear  and  tear.  We 
shall  save  your  hands,  but  one  foot  must  go ;  and  the 
sooner  we  get  rid  of  the  offending  member,  the  better  it 
will  be  for  the  whole  body.  This  young  lady,  who  has  a 
marvellous  amount  of  strength  when  circumstances  demand 
it,  will  stand  by  your  couch  and  hold  your  hands.  Shall 
Moore  administer  chloroform  while  I  work  ?  " 

"  No ;  I  have  no  fear  of  pain,  or  of  losing  self-control ;  but 
won't  the  sight  of  such  an  operation  be  too  great  a  shock 
to  Miss  Ho  well?" 

"  She  will  stand  with  her  back  to  the  work  and  her  eyes 
upon  your  face,  so  as  to  give  me  warning  if  you  attempt 
to  faint ;  and  besides,  Diantha  has  been  made  familiar  with 
all  kinds  of  suffering.  I  can  trust  her." 

Diantha,  fortified  with  hartshorn  and  stimulants  for  the 
use  of  the  patient,  moved  to  the  side  of  the  couch  which 
her  father  assigned  her,  and  took  one  of  the  captain's 
rough,  bronzed  hands  in  both  her  own ;  she  lent  him  the 
light  of  her  clear,  truthful  eyes,  and  the  sound  of  her  soft, 
musical  voice/  There  were  hope,  strength,  and  courage  in 
both  eyes  and  voice  for  the  sufferer. 

Dr.  Howell's  work  was  quickly  performed,  with  a  rare 
union  of  skill,  precision,  and  tenderness;  and  when  it  was 
completed,  he  turned  and  took  his  daughter's  place, 
saying,  — 

"You've  borne  it  bravely,  my  good  friend,  and  you 
should  be  very  thankful  to  escape  with  the  loss  of  one 
foot.  In  these  days  of  cork  limbs  and  modern  improve- 
ments, such  a  loss  is  not  so  serious  as  it  was  formerly.  I'll 
look  in  again  upon  you  to-night,  and  report  the  condition 
of  Hilton  to  you.  Keep  cool  and  quiet,  and  if  there's  any- 


26  DE.  HOWKLL'S  FAMILY. 

thing  this  little   woman    can   do   by  way  of  reading  or 
writing  letters  for  you,  she's  most  happy  to  be  of  service." 

Diantha's  eyes  turned  gratefully  to  her  father  for  a  mo- 
ment, while  she  mutely  thanked  him  for  his  appreciation 
of  her  willingness ;  and  then,  with  a  charming  blending  of 
womanly  dignity  and  girlish  timidity,  she  assured  the 
captain  of  her  wish  to  serve  him. 

Captain  Ashmead  attempted  to  express  his  gratitude, 
but  Dr.  Howell  enforced  silence,  telling  him  Diantha  was 
neither  to  read  nor  write  for  him  until  all  danger  of  fever 
had  passed. 

And  then  he  led  his  daughter  from  the  room,  taking  her 
to  the  suffering  child  in  the  west  wing,  and  bidding  her 
remain  until  called  for. 

What  hungry,  eager  eyes  met  Diantha's  when  she  bent 
over  the  couch  of  the  poor  li ttle  girl ! 

"  She's  been  wandering  and  unconscious  all  night,  Miss 
Howell,"  answered  the  nurse,  when  questioned  by  Diantha 
about  her  charge ;  "  but  I  reckon  she's  sensible  this  morn- 
ing. I'm  uncommon  glad  you've  come,  for  there's  some- 
thing more  the  matter  with  the  child  than  fever.  She  has 
been  here  since  yesterday  morning,  crying  and  fretting  her- 
self into  this  state ;  and  it's  my  honest  opinion  she  hasn't 
had  a  minute's  sleep,  nor  swallowed  a  mouthful  of  food, 
since  she  was  taken  off  the  wreck.  Do  you  know  if  she's 
a  foreigner  ?  " 

"  No ;  I  have  asked  no  questions  about  the  child ;  please 
go  and  prepare  me  a  bowl  of  arrowroot,  nurse,  and  let 
me  see  if  I  cannot  persuade  her  to  eat." 

Diantha's  tender  hands  were  at  once  employed  about 
the  child,  bathing  her  face  and  smoothing  her  light,  tangled 
curls,  while  she  talked  to  her  in  that  gentle,  winning  way 
which  none  knew  better  how  to  use  than  the  doctor's 
daughter. 


THE  BCKsSECouB  HOME.  27 

"  We  shall  soon  have  you  running  about  ngain,  my  little 
girl.  What  is  your  name  ?  " 

"  Edna  Shreve ;  but  I  never  want  to  get  well." 

"  You  think  so  now  because  you  are  weak  and  suffering, 
and  you  miss  your  dear  mamma  so  much.  I've  heard  all 
about  the  dreadful  wreck,  and  I've  come  to  help  you  and 
comfort  you." 

"I  don't  want  to  be  helped,  and  nobody  can  comfort 
me,"  sobbed  the  child. 

"Let  me  see  what  I  can  do  for  you,  my  dear.  Who 
knows  but  I  can  help  you  to  be  as  blithe  and  merry  as  a 
bird,  again  ?  " 

"You  didn't  know  my  mamma  nor  Nathan,  and  you 
can't  know  how  dreadful  it  is  to  be  all  alone  in  this  world." 

"  I  know  it  must  be  very  dreary,  lonely,  and  sad  for  you, 
Edna;  but  somebody  has  promised  to  care  for  orphans. 
Do  you  know  who?" 

"  Perhaps  I  do  ;  but  He  hasn't  cared  for  me,  or  He 
wouldn't  have  let  the  cruel  sea  rob  me  of  all  I  had." 

"  We  will  talk  about  that  when  you  are  better.  If  God 
has  taken  your  mamma  and  your  brother,  He  has  sent  me 
to  you  to  be  your  friend,  and  I  promise  to  love  you  and 
care  for  you;  can  you  do  one  little  thing  to  please  me?" 

Diantha  had  drawn  the  little  girl  up  in  her  arms,  and 
was  looking  at  her  with  eyes  so  full  of  loving  entreaty,  that 
the  child,  who  had  resisted  every  effort  of  Mrs.  Wyman  to 
make  her  comfortable,  said  she  would  try. 

"I  was  almost  sure  you  would;  little  girls  are  generally 
very  willing  to  do  what  I  think  is  best  arid  right.  Now 
take  one  tea-spoonful  of  this  warm  arrowroot  gruel." 

Edna  complied,  but  her  hysterical  sobs  made  it  almost 
impossible  for  her  to  swallow,  and  Diantha  saw  that  the 
nervous  excitement  of  her  system  must  be  allayed  before 
nourishment  could  avail.  She  held  the  sobbing  child 


28  I>B.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

against  her  bosom,  soothing  her  with  tender  words  and 
caresses,  until  Dr.  Howell  had  completed  his  professional 
round  of  calls,  and  came  to  look  after  his  little  patient. 
He  needed  but  a  minute's  survey  of  her  quivering,  fever- 
flushed  face,  with  his  fingers  upon  the  throbbing  veins  of 
her  forehead. 

"Has  she  taken  any  nourishment,  nurse?"  asked  the 
doctor. 

"  Not  a  drop  from  my  hands,  sir ;  Miss  Howell  got  her 
to  take  a  spoonful." 

"Then  Miss  Howell  must  persuade  her  to  take  this 
powder;  and  you  must  give  her  a  warm  sponge  bath  im- 
mediately. Keep  her  head  cool,  and  give  her  your  most 
tender  care." 

Edna's  sobs  had  grown  less  frequent  and  hysterical,  but 
it  was  with  great  difficulty  she  succeeded  in  swallowing  the 
spoonful  of  water  in  which  the  powder  had  been  dissolved. 

"  We  must  leave  you  now,  Edna ;  but  if  you  will  try  to 
be  quiet  and  do  what  Mrs.  Wyman  thinks  is  best  for  you, 
this  young  lady  shall  come  again  to-morrow." 

"  Yes,  Edna,  I  will  come  to-morrow,  and  every  day 
while  you  are  sick ;  and  I  will  try  to  come  this  evening 
and  bring  you  some  nice  nourishment,  and  hold  you  again 
in  my  arms,  and  perhaps  sing  for  you,  if  you  are  fond  of 
singing  ?  " 

The  child  made  no  reply,  and  it  was  pitiful  to  see  the 
worn,  grieved,  hungry  look  of  the  face  she  buried  in  the 
pillow  when  Diantha  laid  her  back  upon  the  couch. 

"  I  have  no  more  work  of  this  kind  for  you  to-day,  Di, 
and  I  hope  I  am  not  taxing  your  strength  nor  your 
sympathies  too  severely,"  said  the  doctor,  when  they  had 
gained  the  street. 

"  It  does  me  good  to  share  your  work,  father,  and  to  feel 
that  you  can  trust  me,  and  that  I'm  of  some  use  in  the 
world." 


THE    BONSECOUK    HOME.  29 

"In  my  opinion  there's  no  surer  safeguard  against 
disease  than  occupation  for  mind  and  body.  Concentra- 
tion of  thought  upon  one's  own  selfish  gratification  dwai'fs 
the  intellect,  blunts  the  moral  sense,  and  enfeebles  the 
body,  while  a  moderate  amount  of  work  for  others,  an 
interest  in  their  pursuits,  and  a  conscientious  endeavor  so 
to  live  that  the  world  may  recognize  in  us  the  spirit  of 
Him  who  went  about  doing  good,  will  lift  one's  soul  into  a 
} >urer  atmosphere."  They  walked  in  silence  for  some  min- 
utes through  the  gay,  bustling  throng  that  now  filled  the 
streets;  but  the  tempting  displays  in  the  shop  windows 
and  the  festive  preparations  for  Christmas  could  not 
banish  from  their  thoughts  the  sad  picture  of  suffering  at 
the  Bonsecour  Home. 

"•  I  wish  we  had  that  poor  Edna  Shreve  in  one  of  our 
quiet  chambers,"  said  the  doctor,  when  they  had  entered  a 
street  where  conversation  could  be  resumed. 

"O,  father,  'tis  just  what  I've  been  longing  for,  ever 
since  I  saw  the  state  she  was  in.  Mrs.  Wyman's  ways  are 
not  soothing  and  gentle  enough  for  a  child  so  delicate, 
nervous,  and  torn  with  grief  as  Edna  is.  Do  you  think  we 
might  manage  it  ?  " 

"  There  are  it's  to  be  considered  ;  your  mother  will  object, 
and  not  without  reason.  She  will  be  unwilling  that  so 
much  care  should  fall  on  you;  and  that  her  systematic 
housekeeping  should  be  thrown  into  disorder  will  really 
be  a  trial  to  her  nerves.  Jane  and  Ellen  will  be  very 
likely  to  send  in  a  'notice '  if  we  take  a  sick  child  into  our 
family  ;  but  you  needn't  give  the  subject  anymore  thought. 
I'll  consider  it  carefully,  and  talk  it  over  with  your  mother 
this  evening." 

But  the  subject  had  taken  such  a  deep  hold  on  Diantha's 
thoughts  that  it  was  impossible  to  thrust  it  aside ;  and  so 
preoccupied  was  she  in  thinking  over  ways  and  means  for 


30  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

the  preservation  of  Edna,  that  on  reaching  home  her 
mother  noticed  her  silence,  and  remarked  thereon,  — 

"Diantha  is  all  worn  out  with  her  morning's  work, 
doctor;  you'll  ruin  her  health  by  taking  her  to  witness 
scenes  of  suffering  that  are  depressing  her  spirits  and  keep- 
ing her  sympathies  constantly  excited.  Such  employment 
is  entirely  unsuited  to  her  years  and  to  her  position  in 
society.  Now,  Di,  I  want  you  to  go  to  your  room  and  rest, 
instead  of  taking  your  presents  to  the  Jenks  family." 

It  would  not  have  been  in  harmony  with  Mrs.  Ho  well's 
character  if  she  had  permitted  an  occasion  like  this  to  pass 
without  expressing  her  disapprobation.  Dr.  Howell  saw 
the  look  of  disappointment  that  crept  into  Diantha's  face, 
and  came  to  her  rescue. 

"  Let  me  prescribe  for  Daisy,  my  dear.  She  had  better 
go  to  her  room  and  lie  down  tor  a  half  hour,  and  Jane  must 
send  her  up  a  cup  of  hot  coffee  and  a  lunch ;  and  after  that 
I  think  she  might  be  allowed  to  go  out  and  distribute  her 
gifts.  The  ride,  the  fresh  air,  and  the  pleasure  of  making 
others  happy,  will  be  the  best  tonic  for  her." 

"  She'll  take  your  prescription,  of  course.  I  didn't  expect 
my  advice  would  have  a  straw's  weight.  But  I  would  like 
to  know  what  she's  been  doing  this  morning." 

"Only  taking  a  step  towards  that  heaven  which  we  both 
hope  to  gain,  Mary;  and  for  her  authority  and  encourage- 
ment she  has  this  injunction :  'But  to  do  good  and  to  com- 
municate forget  not ;  for  with  such  sacrifices  God  is  well 
pleased.' " 


DIANTUA'S  MISSION.  31 


CHAPTER  IV. 
DIANTHA'S    MISSION. 

"  Blessing  she  is  :  God  made  her  so  : 
Aiid  deeds  of  week-day  holiness 
Fall  from  her  noiseless  as  the  snow; 
Nor  hath  she  ever  chauced  to  know 
That  aught  were  easier  than  to  bless." 

LOWELL. 

"  WHAT  new  victim  of  the  world's  rough  usage  has  kept 
you  a  half  hour  from  your  appointment,  and,  as  a  matter  of 
course,  deprived  a  dozen  poor  wretches  of  a  half  hour's 
pleasure  in  the  possession  of  this  heap  of  rubbish,  which 
you  call  Christmas  gifts  ?  " 

"  Have  I  really  kept  you  waiting,  Stephen  ?  I'll  tell  you 
what  made  me  late  after  you've  helped  carry  these  pack- 
ages to  the  sleigh,  and  we  are  fairly  off." 

"  Grant  an  ell  and  yield  a  yard,"  answered  Stephen  ;  and 
with  comical  grimaces,  and  protestations  against  being 
made  a  porter  of,  he  helped  his  sister  fill  the  sleigh  with 
her  "rubbish." 

She  understood  his  feigned  reluctance  well  enough  to 
know  that  the  service  he  was  rendering  her  was  not  with- 
out its  pleasure  for  him. 

"Well,  Di,  now  that  we  are  'fairly  off,'  tell  me  what 
made  you  late,  and  what  has  given  your  eyes  such  a  wist- 
ful, absent  kind  of  stare,  as  if  your  vision  reached  beyond 
this  mundane  sphere." 


32  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"Now,  Stephen,  come  down  from  your  sophomoric  stilts, 
and  talk  common  sense." 

"  Thank  you  for  presuming  that  I  have  the  ability  to  do 
so ;  and  now  for  the  reasons." 

"  You  heard  father  say  that  a  young  girl  was  saved  from 
the  wreck  of  the  Stella  ?  Well,  I've  been  to  see  her,  and 
she  is  such  a  forlorn,  miserable,  suffering  little  creature  that 
my  heart  aches  for  her." 

"  That  organ  you  are  pleased  to  call  your  heart  ought 
to  be  proof  against  pain.  What  does  the  *  creature '  look 
like  ?  " 

"  Her  face  and  eyes  were  so  red  with  weeping,  and  so 
swollen  from  the  effects  of  her  exposure  in  that  dreadful 
storm,  that  one  could  hardly  imagine  how  she  would  look 
.if  she  were  in  a  healthy  condition  of  mind  and  body ;  but 
I  should  think  she  was  a  fair,  slender,  dark-eyed  girl,  with 
a  great  quantity  of  light,  tangled  hair." 

"  In  fact,  quite  a  heroine  for  a  romancer.  You  know 
girls  in  novels  always  have  a  great  deal  of  hair  —  especially 
in  women's  novels :  you  make  her  so  much  of  a  character 
that  I  can  see 

'  Her  hair,  like  the  brown  sea-weed, 
On  the  billows  fall  and  rise.' 

And  I  dare  say,  like  the  skippers  daughter,  — 

'  Blue  are  her  eyes  as  the  fairy  flax, 
And  her  cheeks  like  the  dawn  of  day.' 

How  old  may  this  wonderful  maiden  be  ?  " 

"  Not  far  from  twelve,  I  think ;  but  you  will  not  hear 
anything  more  about  her  while  you  are  in  such  a  trifling 
mood." 

"What  injustice!  to  suppose  I  could  be  otherwise  than 
serious,  when  your  description  has  brought  so  vividly 


DIANTHA'S  MISSION.  33 

before  me  the  ill-fated  maiden  of  the  '  Wreck  of  the  Hes- 
perus.'    I  shall  never  be  understood." 

"  That  will  be  no  great  loss  to  the  world  ;  but  please  try. 
to  understand  me  now.  I  wish  you  to  turn  your  horse's 
head  into  the  next  street  on  the  right,  and  draw  rein  before 
a  low,  brown  house ;  and  then  you  will  remain  in  the 
sleigh  while  I  deliver  these  packages." 

"  Straight  forward  and  pointed  as  an  arrow  from  Diana's 
quiver  should  be ;  I  shall  perform  your  royal  bidding." 

"  This  is  the  place ;  I  won't  detain  you  long ; "  and 
Diantha,  with  as  many  packages  as  she  could  well  carry, 
disappeared  within  the  brown  house. 

It  would  be  difficult  to  find  a  more  touching  picture  of 
poverty  than  was  presented  to  Diantha's  vision  when  the 
door  was  opened  to  admit  her  into  a  small  room,  not  more 
than  twelve  by  fourteen  feet,  containing  eight  persons. 

Extreme  poverty  usually  presents  a  hard,  repellent  aspect, 
not  only  in  the  faces  of  its  victims,  but  in  all  their  sur- 
roundings. But  in  this  Jenks  family  its  heavy  hand  had 
not  crushed  out  all  hope  —  all  regard  to  outward  appear- 
ances ;  it  had  left  upon  the  face  of  the  mother,  and  the 
children  who  huddled  around  her,  apathetic,  appealing  look, 
as  if  asking  one's  sympathy,  rather  than  substantial  aid. 

It  was  an  American  family,  one  saw  at  a  glance ;  their 
nationality  was  not  only  stamped  upon  their  regular 
features,  pallid  complexions,  shrewd  eyes,  and  thin  lips, 
but  in  the  shrinking  sensitiveness  with  which  they  ac- 
cepted charity  —  a  pride  which  would  almost  sooner  starve 
th;in  beg,  and  which  used  every  device  for  concealing  the 
most  threadbare  side  of  their  hard  lot.  The  cleanliness 
of  the  room  and  its  occupants,  from  the  patched  but 
scrupulously  clean  garments  of  the  mother  and  children  to 
the  neatly-scrubbed  floor  and  stove,  all  told  the  story  of 
Xew  England  birth  and  pride. 
3 


34  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

Three  or  four  wooden  chairs,  a  table,  and  a  rude  couch 
comprised  the  furniture ;  and  upon  this  couch  lay  the 
father  of  the  family  —  a  man  not  more  than  forty  years  of 
age,  prostrated  by  rheumatism,  which,  depriving  him  of  the 
power  of  locomotion,  seemed  grudgingly  to  allow  him  the 
use  of  his  hands.  These  were  employed,  when  not  too 
much  swollen  or  stiffened  with  pain,  in  making  baskets, 
crude  and  homely  in  their  manufacture,  and  used  for  home- 
ly purposes.  The  scanty  products  of  the  sale  of  these 
baskets  and  of  the  mother's  needle  were  the  only  income  of 
the  family  ;  rent,  fuel,  food,  and  clothing  for  eight  persons 
to  be  obtained  with  such  scanty  means,  and  only  when 
circumstances  favored,  did  the  united  earnings  of  both 
parents  amount  to  six  dollars  per  week.  They  hired  two 
small  rooms,  for  which  they  were  obliged  to  pay  four  dol- 
lars per  month ;  one  of  these  rooms  was  the  sleeping  apart- 
ment of  six  members  of  the  family,  while  the  two  boys 
found  "tired  Nature's  sweet  restorer"  on  a  sack  of  straw 
in  the  common  dwelling-room. 

Mrs.  Jenks  would  still  have  been  in  the  glory  of  her 
summer-time  had  she  not  been  prematurely  aged  with  sor- 
row, sickness,  and  hard  work.  Now,  at  thirty-five,  her 
hair  is  thin  and  lined  with  gray,  her  cheeks  pale  and  hol- 
low, and  heavy  purple  shadows  lie  under  her  dark  eyes. 
During  the  fifteen  years  of  her  married  life  she  has  given 
birth  to  eight  children ;  two  having  died  in  infancy,  four 
little  scrofulous  heirs  of  poverty  and  labor  stand  shivering 
and  shrinking  around  their  mother  when  Diantha  enters  the 
room,  while  one  little  cripple  is  held  in  her  arms,  and  a 
rude  wicker  basket  contains  the  baby. 

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Jenks.  I  hope  you  are  all  com- 
fortably well  to-day." 

"Thank  you,  Miss  Howell.  Mr.  Jenks  is  rather  more 
poorly  than  usual  this  week ;  he  hasn't  been  able  to  use  his 


DIANTHA'S  MISSION.  35 

hands  since  Monday.  The  baby  has  been  ailing,  and  little 
Susie  has  the  influenza." 

Diantha  deposited  her  bundle  upon  the  table,  went  to 
Mr.  Jenks's  couch,  and  spoke  a  few  cheery,  hearty  words 
to  him,  listened  kindly  to  his  wailing  account  of  the  week's 
pain  and  disappointment,  and  then  turned  to  the  expectant 
faces  of  the  children,  kissing  one,  kindly  patting  another, 
and  speaking  a  pleasant  word  to  all.  Then  she  drew  Mrs. 
Jenks  aside,  and  with  delicate  tact  gathered  from  her  a 
history  of  their  most  pressing  wants. 

"  Indeed,  we  haven't  a  whole  dollar  in  the  house,  Miss 
Ho  well,  nor  so  much  as  a  hod  full  of  coal ;  but  Tommy  and 
Fred  have  been  promised  some  baskets  of  chips  from  the 
carpenter's  shop  on  Ferry  Street,  and  they're  going  direct- 
ly for  them." 

"  What  about  the  rent  ?  " 

"We  are  owing  for  the  last  month,  and  another  month  will 
be  due  the  last  day  of  the  year.  We  have  not  tasted  meat, 
nor  tea,  nor  coffee,  for  more  than  a  week ;  but  we  have  had 
plenty  of  potatoes  and  a  little  meal.  Mrs.  Metcalf  sent  me 
a  barrel  of  potatoes  the  day  before  Thanksgiving:  she  is 
very  kind  to  me,  and  gives  me  a  deal  of  sewing  to  do;  but 
she's  close  in  her  pay  for  work,  and  doesn't  always  remem- 
ber that  poor  folks  need  their  pay  as  soon  as  the  work  is 
done :  she's  been  owing  me  five  dollars  nearly  a  month, 
and  I  haven't  dared  ask  her  for  it,  because  she  gave  me  the 
potatoes  and  some  clothes  for  Tommy  and  Fred,  that  her 
boys  had  cast  off." 

"  Bessie  and  Mary  didn't  come  to  my  class  yesterday." 

"  No ;  they  were  obliged  to  stay  in  because  they  lent 
their  shoes  to  Tommy  and  Fred,  who  went  for  chips. 
And,  Miss  Howell,  I'm  sorry  to  tell  you  that  I  can't  make 
them  comfortable  or  decent  to  go~on  the  street  again  while 
the  cold  weather  lasts.  Bessie  must  go  out  to  bring  and 


36  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

carry  my  work  and  her  father's,  and  though  she's  patient 
and  never  frets,  I  often  find  her  crying  because  her  life  is 
so  different  from  that  of  other  girls." 

"  Have  you  as  much  sewing  as  you  can  do  at  present?" 

"More  than  I  can  do  while  Harvey  and  the  children  are 
so  miserable.  Susie  is  so  fretful  with  pain  that  I'm  often 
obliged  to  walk  the  room  half  the  night  with  her;  and  you 
know  she  is  scarcely  out  of  the  arms  of  Bessie,  Mary,  or 
myself  through  the  day,  and  baby  is  so  cross  with  her 
teething,  we  have  a  hard  time  of  it." 

"You  must,  indeed,  Mrs.  Jenks.  Til  ask  father  to  look 
in  this  evening ;  perhaps  he  can  give  the  childix-n  some- 
thing to  relieve  and  quiet  them." 

"  He  has  taken  a  deal  of  trouble  for  us,  and  done  us  a 
world  of  good  that  we  can  never  pay  him  for." 

"Never  mind  that.  You  shall  see  me  again  the  day 
after  to-morrow,  and  I'll  send  Robert  around  with  a  basket 
in  the  morning.  I  hope  you'll  find  the  Christmas  gifts  I 
have  brought  useful." 

"  Nothing  you  could  bring  would  be  amiss,  there  are  so 
many  mouths  to  feed,  and  provisions  and  coal  are  so  high. 
O,  Miss  Howell,  I  don't  want  to  trouble  you,  and  I'm  very 
grateful  for  all  you  do ;  but  how  we  shall  get  through  the 
winter  God  only  knows."  , 

"  Please  let  the  thought  comfort  you  that  God  does 
know.  I  will  try  to  interest  some  charitable  ladies  in  your 
affairs.  Good  by." 

Only  one  more  room  where  Diantha  is  a  frequent  visitor 
shall  reveal  its  hitherto  unwritten  history  to  our  readers. 
It  is  in  a  wooden  tenement  block  on  Ferry  Street,  half 
basement  or  cellar;  on  one  side  only  light  enters  through 
small,  patched  panes  of  glass,  so  scantily  that  one  asks  if 
heaven's  light  is  a  luxury  too  expensive  for  God's  poor. 
There  is  a  decent-looking  bed  in  the  room,  an  old  chest  of 


DIANTHA'S  MISSION.  37 

drawers,  a  small  pine  table,  three  wooden  chairs,  and  a 
cracked  cooking  stove ;  and  as  near  the  old  stove  as  two 
chairs  can  be  drawn  sit  the  two  old  occupants  of  this 
room,  sisters,  who  have  nearly  counted  their  threescore  and 
ten  years.  So  remarkably  alike  are  they  in  features  and 
expression,  or,  rather,  in  want  of  expression,  that  they 
are  often  mistaken  the  one  for  the  other  by  the  few 
Christian  friends  who  cross  their  humble  threshold.  Poor 
in  this  world's  goods,  weak  in  body  and  feeble  in  intel- 
lect, yet  they  are  rich  in  hope  and  faith,  and  in  that 
knowledge  "  whose  price  is  above  rubies."  Knitting 
coarse  leggins  and  mittens  for  teamsters,  and  making  the 
cheap  cotton  overalls  worn  by  laborers,  furnish  employ- 
ment for  their  hard,  bony  hands,  and  brings  them  in  an 
occasional  dollar;  but  their  main  dependence  is  the  chanty 
of  a  few  benevolent  ladies.  Diantha's  presence  brought 
warmth  and  light  to  the  poor  old  dames,  and  the  sound  of 
her  step  and  voice  was  music  to  their  uneducated  ears. 

"Bless  you,  Miss  Howell!  come  with  your  hands  full, 
I'll  warrant.  It's  like  you  to  think  of  us  on  a  day  like  this," 
exclaimed  Martha  Keith,  whose  tongue  was  a  trifle  more 
fluent  than  her  sister's.  And  as  they  touched  the  woollen 
garments  that  Diantha's  hand  had  fashioned  for  them, 
tears  dropped  from  their  faded  eyes  into  wrinkles,  that 
looked  as  if  they  had  been  the  channels  of  bitter  waters ; 
but  the  tears  shed  over  Diantha's  useful  gifts  did  not 
deepen  the  wrinkles  in  the  withered  faces  of  Martha  and 
Sylvia  Keith.  In  reply  to  Miss  Howell's  kind  inquiries 
after  their  welfare,  Martha's  gratitude  found  expression  in 
words  as  well  as  tears. 

"  We  are  toler'bly  well,  thank  you,  Miss  Howell.  Silvy 
has  the  rheumatiz  now  and  then,  and  I  have  my  old  cough, 
but  we're  a  deal  better  off  than  thousands  of  others  ;  and  so 
long  as  we  can  hobble  out  to  rueetin'  on  Sundays,  and  to 


38  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

prayer  meetin's  on  week  days,  we're  thankful,  and  have 
nothin'  to  complain  of.  Ay,  miss,  it's  meat  and  drink  for 
poor  old  souls  like  us  to  hear  Elder  Dinsmore  preach  ;  and, 
as  I  often  tell  Silvy,  Deacon  Sage's  prayers  carry  us 
e'enamost  to  heaven." 

"You  have  decided  to  remain  in  this  poor  room  through 
the  winter,  rather  than  share  the  comforts  of  the  Old 
Ladies'  Home." 

"Well,  yes,  I  may  say  we  have.  You  see,  miss,  the 
Home  is  so  far  from  our  meetin',  and  we'd  rather  go 
without  some  comforts  for  our  bodies  than  starve  our 
souls ;  and  besides,  we  are  only  used  to  each  other,  and 
we're  wonted  to  this  place.  I  hope  you  won't  think  we 
are  ungrateful  to  the  ladies  who  offered  us  a  place  at  the 
Home." 

"  No,  Martha ;  but  we  think  you'd  be  more  comfortable 
there.  You  must  always  let  us  know  when  you  are  need- 
ing anything." 

The  blessings  of  the  poor  old  women  followed  the  young 
one  when  she  left  them,  and  if  her  hands  were  wearied  and 
her  brain  oppressed  with  thought  when  she  returned  to 
her  father's  fireside,  her  heart  had  been  enriched,  and  a 
round  of  that  ladder  gained  by  which  the  soul  rises  "  to  a 
purer  air  and  a  broader  view." 


MBS.    HOWELL   AT   HOME.  39 


CHAPTER  V. 

MBS.    HOWELL    AT    HOME. 

"  The  love  of  praise 
Fills  life  with  fine  amenities.    Not  all 
Who  live  nave  pleasant  tempers,  and  not  all 
The  gift  of  gracious  manners,  or  the  love 
Of  nobler  motive,  higher  meed  than  praise." 

J.  G.  HOLLAND. 

"  DIANTHA  and  Stephen  not  in  yet  ? "  asked  Mrs. 
Howell,  glancing  around  her  well-appointed  dining-room 
as  if  in  search  of  the  delinquents. 

Dr.  Howell  was,  apparently,  too  deeply  absorbed  in  the 
columns  of  the  evening  paper  to  answer  her  query,  and 
the .  lady  somewhat  energetically  pulled  the  bell-rope. 
When  Jane  answered  the  summons,  she  ordered  dinner 
to  be  served  immediately. 

"Do  we  dine  alone,  Mary?"  asked  the  doctor,  when  the 
agreeable  odor  of  hot  soup  reminded  him  of  his  physical 
necessities. 

"  Yes ;  Louise  has  gone  to  dine  with  the  Metcalfs,  and 
Diantha  and  Stephen  have  not  returned  from  their  mis- 
sion to  the  poor.  I  must  say  I'm  glad  of  an  opportunity 
to  speak  with  you  alone,  though  I  don't  suppose  you'll 
allow  my  ideas  of  what  is  right  to  influence  you." 

"  Why,  Mary,  I'm  always  open  to  conviction.  What's 
wrong  now  ?  " 

"  The  truth  is,  doctor,  I'm  not  at  all  satisfied  with  the 
manner  in  which  Diantha  is  spending  her  time,  and  I 


40  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

know  she  has  your  encouragement.  She  was  invited  three 
days  ago  to  visit  the  Metcalfs  with  Louise  this  evening, 
but  wrote  a  note  yesterday  declining  their  invitation,  be- 
cause of  her  numerous  engagements  for  to-day.  And  what 
were  her  engagements?  Nothing  more  nor  less  than  this 
hospital  visiting,  and  a  round  of  calls  on  poor  people.  It 
is  impossible  to  make  her  see  the  importance  of  cultivating 
the  acquaintance  of  such  people  as  she  would  meet  at  the 
Metcalfs'.  Then  she  is  neglecting  her  music,  her  French, 
and  all  the  accomplishments  that  are  indispensable  to 
young  ladies  nowadays." 

"I'm  sorry  you  can  find  so  little  to  approve  in  Daisy. 
She  seems  to  me  quite  accomplished  enough  for  a  girl  of 
her  years.  She  certainly  finds  time  to  read  some  excellent 
books.  She  converses  well,  and  gratifies  my  taste  in  sing- 
ing ;  and  then  we  couldn't  ask  for  a  more  affectionate  or 
obedient  child." 

"I'm  not  complaining  of  any  lack  of  affection  or  obedi- 
ence ;  and  yet  I  think  if  these  traits  were  stronger  in  Di's 
character,  she'd  endeavor  to  conform  herself  more  to.  my 
wishes.  What  gives  me  most  anxiety  is,  to  see  her  natu- 
rally fine  talents  lying  dormant  or  running  to  waste.  You 
say  her  singing  satisfies  you,  but  it  is  not  artistic,  and  such 
a  remarkably  rich,  flexible  voice  ought  to  be  cultivated. 
Di  is  not  ambitious,  and  if  you  are  pleased  with  her  bal- 
lads and  simple  songs,  she  doesn't  care  a  straw  for  artistic 
effect.  She  spends  too  much  precious  time  on  people  who 
cannot  appreciate  her,  and  is  entirely  regardless  of  fashion 
and  etiquette.  In  short,  she's  in  great  danger  of  becoming 
a  religions  enthusiast  or  a  strong-minded  philanthropist." 

"I  have  seen  in  Daisy  only  the  fruits  of  that  pure  re- 
ligion and  undefiled  which  delights  in  visiting  'the  father- 
less and  widows  in  their  affliction.'  Her  nature  is  ardent 
and  enthusiastic,  and  she  must  do  earnestly  and  heartily 


MRS.    HOWELL   AT    HOME.  41 

whatever  her  hands  find  to  do.  Let  us  encourage  her, 
Mary,  in  her  efforts  to  serve  the  Master ;  the  pleasures  and 
fashions  of  this  world  will  prove  strong  temptations  to  a 
pretty  girl  like  Daisy,  even  if  we  use  our  utmost  endeavors 
to  keep  her  unspotted." 

"  You  don't  understand  me,  nor  sympathize  with  my 
desire  to  see  our  child  admired  and  appreciated  by  those 
whose  good  opinion  is  worth  gaining.  She  can  have  just 
as  much  true  religion  in  her  heart,  and  at  the  same  time 
enjoy  more  of  those  innocent  pleasures  which  are  natural 
to  her  years,  and  cultivate  those  talents  God  has  given  her, 
so  as  to  make  herself  a  more  useful  and  ornamental  mem- 
ber of  society.  Louise  is  a  Christian,  but  she  is  a  great 
favorite  because  she  is  so  accomplished;  and  I  don't  want 
to  see  such  a  striking  contrast  between  my  daughters,  and 
know  that  others  remark  it  too,  when  I'm  sure  Diantha 
has  as  much  talent,  if  it  were  only  developed,  as  Louise." 

"  I  must  have  a  serious  talk  with  Daisy,  and  see  if  I  can 
discover  a  lack  of  those  graces  and  accomplishments  which 
are  the  ornament  of  true  womanhood.  Her  instincts  have 
seemed  to  me  so  pure,  and  her  whole  nature  so  sweet  and 
healthful,  that  perhaps  I  may  have  been  blind  to  her  lack 
of  ambition." 

"  Indeed,  I  think  you  are  blind  to  all  Diantha's  faults, 
doctor ;  and  as  you  are  the  only  one  who  can  influence  her, 
I  want  to  open  your  eyes.  Take  her  dress,  for  instance. 
You  allow  her  three  hundred  dollars  a  year  for  spending 
money,  and  she  ought  to  dress  very  prettily  on  that 
amount ;  but  she  told  me  last  week  that  she  couldn't 
afford  a  new  party  dress  for  this  winter,  nor  a  new  cloak ; 
and  I  am  convinced  she  has  spent  more  money  on  that 
Jenks  family  during  this  autumn  than  would  be  necessary 
for  the  new  dress  and  cloak.  It  is  not  becoming  for  a 
young  lady  to  set  at  defiance  the  customs  of  polite  society. 


42  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

If  there's  anything  I  abhor,  'tis  a  strong-minded  woman, 
who  affects  independence  and  singularity  in  dress  and 
manners." 

"  Surely,  there's  no  affectation  about  Daisy,  or  I  should 
have  noticed  it ;  and  only  this  morning  I  was  remarking 
how  neatly  and  becomingly  she  was  dressed." 

"Yes,  in  that  old  blue  merino  and  gray  cloak!  She's 
worn  them  both  two  years,  doctor;  and  if  she  persists  in 
wearing  them  another  winter,  they'll  be  as  well  known  in 
all  Hanthrop  as  your  horse  and  buggy.  I'll  admit  that 
Diantha  is  always  neatly  dressed;  but  she  has  no  style, 
and  looks  as  if  she  were  obliged  to  economize ;  and  by  the 
way,  I  don't  think  it  adds  to  your  reputation  for  a  mem- 
ber of  your  family  to  go  about  scrimpingly  dressed.  Society 
will  infer  that  your  profession  is  not  lucrative  enough  to 
allow  your  family  the  luxuries  of  life." 

"  We  can  afford  to  be  independent  of  the  world's  infer- 
ences; and  moreover,  my  dear,  you  and  Louise  dress  with 
sufficient  elegance  to  advertise  my  prosperity  to  the  clique 
in  which  you  move ;  and  I  have  no  fears  that  my  profes- 
sional reputation  will  suffer  amongst  my  patients." 

"  You  seem  to  forget,  doctor,  that  Louise  and  I  are  not 
dependent  on  you  for  the  means  to  dress  elegantly,  and 
our  friends  are  very  well  aware  of  the  fact.  If  it  were  not 
for  the  income  of  my  late  husband's  property,  I  should 
make  but  a  shabby  appearance  on  the  paltry  sum  you 
allow  me ;  and,  thank  Heaven,  Louise  is  not  beholden  to 
either  of  us  for  money." 

Dr.  Howell  whistled  softly,  —  not  a  polite  or  refined 
substitute  for  words,  as  his  lady  had  often  assured  him, — 
but  the  accomplishment  had  sometimes  proved  a  sort  of 
safety-valve,  and  if  not  classic  or  elegant,  it  was  at  least 
expressive,  and  the  doctor  was  a  man  not  entirely  exempt 
from  human  frailties.  Mrs.  Howell  had  an  income  of  six 


MRS.    HOWELL    AT    HOMK.  43 

hundred  dollars  per  year,  and  Miss  Louise  had  just  twice 
that  amount,  and  both  ladies  spent  all  but  a  paltry  fraction 
of  their  money  in  personal  adorning  and  selfish  pleas- 
ures. One  or  two  dollars  paid  monthly  to  home  and  for- 
eign missions,  —  an  occasional  dollar  to  some  other  benevo- 
lent societies,  and  cast-off  garments  grudgingly  given  to 
the  poor,  —  made  up  the  sum  of  their  charities,  and  heavy 
drafts  were  yearly  made  upon  the  doctor's  purse  to  indulge 
his  wife  in  the  pleasures  of  a  summer  tour,  or  some  expen- 
sive article  of  dress  and  ornament. 

Doubtless  the  doctor's  whistle  was  inspired  by  the  mem- 
ory of  these  trifling  incidental  expenses,  and  it  might  have 
been  an  expedient  for  raising  his  courage  sufficiently  to 
unfold  his  latest  benevolent  scheme  to  his  wife,  as  the  un- 
folding followed  immediately  upon  the  decadence  of  the 
whistle. 

"  Now,  Mary,  I'm  afraid  you'll  be  a  little  surprised  to 
hear  of  a  plan  of  mine,  which,  if  carried  out,  will  certainly 
take  more  of  Daisy's  time,  for  a  few  weeks,  than  all  her 
other  charities."  The  doctor  hesitated  a  moment,  as  if 
hoping  that  a  question  from  his  fair  lady  might  help  him 
over  a  difficult  crossing ;  but  there  was  no  encouragement 
in  the  cold,  handsome  face  opposite  him,  and  he  took  up, 
somewhat  falteringly,  it  must  be  confessed,  the  thread  of 
his  discourse. 

"I  have  told  you  how  remarkably  that  little  orphan, 
Edna  Shreve,  has  enlisted  my  sympathies.  I'm  afraid  no 
human  power  can  save  her,  unless  she  is  removed  from  the 
Bonsecour  to  a  quiet  home,  where  she  can  have  the  most 
tender  and  judicious  treatment.  Both  her  mind  and  body 
received  a  severe  shock  during  that  long  storm  and  wreck, 
and  she  is  so  worn  with  grief,  fatigue,  and  fever,  that  she 
won't  take  nourishment  from  the  nurse's  hands,  and  I  can 
think  of  no  one  who  would  be  strong  and  tender  enough 


44  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

to  minister  to  her  mental  and  physical  wants  but  our 
Daisy.  You  know  this  child  has  been  cast  a  poor,  help- 
less, orphaned  waif  upon  our  shore  —  " 

"You  needn't  say  any  more,  Dr.  Howell.  I  see  you 
want  to  turn  our  house  into  a  hospital,  and  your  own 
child  into  a  common  drudge  of  a  nurse  ;  but  you  reckoned 
without  your  host  when  planning  this  last  quixotic  move. 
Just  think  for  a  moment !  Our  entire  family  arrangements 
to  be  turned  topsy-turvy  for  a  little  beggar  whom  nobody 
knows  anything  about  —  " 

"  Wait  a  minute,  Mary.  Captain  Ashmead  says  her 
father  was  an  educated  man,  —  a  teacher,  —  who  went  to 
Smyrna,  hoping  to  be  cured  of  pulmonary  disease,  and  was 
so  much  improved  by  the  climate,  that  he  taught  the  chil- 
dren of  the  English  residents  there  for  several  years,  when 
again  his  health  failed,  and  he  died,  leaving  a  wife  and 
two  interesting  children  helpless.  The  captain  says  Mrs. 
Shreve  was  hoping  to  find  a  distant  relative  in  New  Eng- 
land who  would  assist  her  in  taking  care  of  these  chil- 
dren." 

"  Why  can't  you  advertise  for  the  relative  to  come  and 
take  care  of  the  orphan  ?  I'm  sure  it  can't  be  our  busi- 
ness." 

"  As  soon  as  Captain  Ashmead  is  able,  he  will  endeavor 
to  find  Edna's  relatives ;  but  meantime  the  child  is  dying." 

"  And  you  want  to  put  her  into  our  best  chamber  with 
a  contagious  fever  that  may  be  the  death  of  us  all  ?  I'm 
not  willing  to  trifle  with  the  lives  of  my  children  in  such 
a  fool-hardy  way.  Really,  doctor,  you  and  Di  have  min- 
gled so  much  with  common,  ill-bred  people,  that  your 
nataral  perceptions  have  become  blunted,  and  you  can't 
understand  my  sensitive  shrinking  from  disease,  and  from 
all  vulgar  associations." 

At  this  point   the   doctor's   lady  felt  that   her   words 


MRS.    HOWELL    AT    BOMB.  45 

needed  to  be  made  more  emphatic  by  the  "  semblance  of 
grief,"  and  a  dainty  kerchief  was  drawn  from  her  pocket, 
and  held  before  her  face.  The  doctor  ate  his  pudding  in 
silence.  One  could  see  that  it  was  not  an  agreeable  pas- 
time for  him  to  differ  from  his  wife,  nor  an  easy  matter  to 
bury  a  charitable  project  when  once  it  had  enlisted  his 
sympathies.  As  neither  silence  nor  tears  were  Mrs.  How- 
ell's  most  formidable  weapons  of  defence,  she  soon  emerged 
from  behind  her  kerchief,  and  gave  utterance  to  her  emo- 
tions in  words. 

"Mr.  Goodenow  would  never  have  asked  me  to  torture 
my  delicate  sensibilities  as  you  do.  He  could  appreciate 
my  shrinking  from  any  contact  with  disease,  or  with  vul- 
gar people." 

Dr.  Howell,  never  having  known  the  departed  Mr. 
Goodenow,  was  willing,  on  this  occasion,  as  in  multitudes 
of  previous  instances,  to  accept  in  silence  his  wife's  esti- 
mate of  her  first  husband's  appreciation. 

"  If  he  could  speak,  I'm  sure  he  w'ould  say  his  only  child 
ought  not  to  be  debased  and  humiliated  by  low  associa- 
tions." 

Now  Dr.  Howell  was  a  man  whose  temper  was  not 
easily  controlled,  and  his  natural  and  spontaneous  impulse 
was,  to  wish  fervently  that  Mr.  Goodenow  might  have 
been  spared  to  protect  his  wife  and  child  from  contamina- 
tion ;  but  remembering  it  is  always  best  to  "  leave  oft'  con- 
tention before  it  be  meddled  with,"  he  swallowed  his 
unwise  impulses  with  the  coffee  that  made  a  part  of  his 
dessert;  then  rising,  he  drew  his  wife's  arm  within  his 
own,  and  led  her  to  a  sofa  in  the  parlor,  seating  himself 
by  her  side,  and  taking  possession  of  her  fair,  shapely,  jew- 
elled hand. 

"Mary,  my  intimate  associations  with  all  kinds  of  suffer- 
ing, poverty,  and  disease,  may,  as  you  suggest,  so  have 


46  DK.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

blunted  my  perceptions  that  I  cannot  comprehend  your 
shrinking  from  them  ;  and  certainly  your  happiness  should 
be  one  of  my  first  considerations.  If  you  would  go  with 
me  to  the  Bonsecour  Home,  and  see  this  desolate  little 
waif,  and  just  how  she  is  surrounded,  I  think  your  mother- 
ly heart  would  open  to  the  child,  and  you  wouldn't  won- 
der that  the  desire  to  remove  her  here  has  taken  complete 
possession  of  my  thoughts ;  but  a  plan  occurred  to  me 
while  eating  my  dinner,  which  I  hope  will  meet  your  ap- 
proval. The  chamber  over  my  office  is  used  only  as  a 
lumber-room,  and  its  contents  can  be  readily  removed  to 
the  attic.  This  room  is  large  and  sunny,  and  can  be  made 
pretty  and  cheerful  with  the  outlay  of  a  small  sum  of 
money ;  and  it  is  so  far  from  the  chambers  occupied  by  the 
family,  there  can  be  no  danger  of  contagion.  Moreover, 
Edna's  fever  is  not  contagious ;  'tis  merely  the  effect  of 
exhaustion,  grief,  and  nervous  excitement." 

"But  I  should  be  in  constant  fear  of  some  infectious  dis- 
ease brought  in  her  clothing  from  that  foreign  place." 

"  You  forget,  Mary,  that  the  poor  child  lost  every  article 
of  her  clothing  on  the  wreck,  excepting  the  garments  she 
had  on ;  and  those  will  be  left  at  the  Bonsecour." 

"And  then  think  of  Diantha's  valuable  time,  and  all 
study,  practice,  and  society  given  up  for  a  sick  child  that 
has  no  claims  upon  her,  and  the  danger  she  will  be  ex- 
posed to !  Think  of  the  expense,  too !  Jane  and  Ellen 
will  never  submit  to  the  extra  work,  and  you'll  be  obliged 
to  hire  another  girl,  or  part  with  them.  It  will  be  no 
trifle  to  buy  a  carpet  and  chamber-set  for  that  large  room. 
They  will  cost  more  than  the  India  shawl  I've  asked  you 
for  so  many  times.  But  I  have  so  long  sacrificed  my  own 
wishes  for  the  sake  of  your  throwing  money  away  on  all 
sorts  of  worthless  beggars  and  impostors,  that  it's  useless 
to  complain  now,  or  oppose  this  last  plan  of  turning  our 
house  into  a  hospital."  ' 


MRS.    HOWELL   AT    HOME.  47 

The  doctor  whistled  softly  for  a  minute,  with  his  eyes 
fastened  on  the  figure  of  the  carpet  at  his  feet.  He  might 
have  been  trying  to  recall  one  of  the  sacrifices  his  lady  had 
made  of  her  own  desires,  and  he  might  have  been  asking 
for  wisdom  and  patience.  When  he  resumed  speech,  there 
was  no  indication  in  his  clear,  healthy  voice  of  anger  or 
annoyance,  although  a  delicate  ear  might  have  detected  a 
shade  of  weariness  and  disappointment. 

"  If  I  remember  correctly,  Mary,  I've  heard  you  express 
a  wish  for  another  sleeping  apartment;  and  if  this  room  is 
furnished,  it  will  serve  for  Diantha  or  Stephen  when  'tis  no 
longer  wanted  for  our  little  patient,  so  that  the  money  we 
should  spend  upon  it  wouldn't  be  thrown  away.  As  re- 
gards Daisy's  time,  I  have  an  excellent  American  woman 
in  my  mind's  eye  —  a  poor  widow,  who  would  be  only  too 
glad  to  serve  me  by  assisting  in  the  care  of  this  child.  I 
will  manage  affairs  in  such  a  way  that  our  daughter  shall 
not  be  oppressed  with  care.  Another  thought  presents 
itself  to  me.  You  have  been  wanting  to  take  Louise  to 
New  York  this  winter,  and  a  change  of  air  and  scene  for  a 
few  weeks  will  be  an  excellent  remedy  for  your  dyspepsia. 
Why  not  go  at  once,  say  the  day  after  to-morrow,  to  your 
brother-in-law's  in  the  city,  and  allow  me  to  try  the  exper- 
iment of  quiet  and  tender  nursing  for  this  orphan  ?  By  so 
doing  you  and  Louise  will  escape  all  danger  of  infection, 
all  the  worry  and  discomfort  that  may  attend  the  intro- 
duction of  this  sick  stranger  into  our  family,  and  at  the 
same  time  gratify  your  long-cherished  wish,  as  well  as  give 
your  brother  Ralph's  family  pleasure." 

There  was  silence  for  several  minutes.  Mrs.  Howell 
was  thinking  how  she  could  accept  this  much  coveted 
pleasure  of  a  visit  to  New  York,  and  yet  make  the  leaving 
home  appear  like  a  sacrifice  to  her  friends.  She  was 
weighing  the  chances,  too,  of  securing  an  India  shawl  as 


48  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

a  conciliatory  offering,  as  well  as  other  advantages  that 
would  be  gained  by  concession.  She  really  wanted  the 
room  over  the  doctor's  office  transformed  into  a  habitable 
apartment,  and  that,  with  the  visit  to  New  York,  and  the 
possible  camel's  hair  shawl,  would  make  amends  for  the 
sacrifice  of  her  opinion.  At  this  interesting  crisis  Diantha 
entered  in  evening  costume  —  a  vision  bright  and  fair 
enough  to  dispel  heavier  clouds  than  hovered  around  the 
domestic  horizon. 

"Mother,"  she  said,  advancing  to  the  sofa,  "I  have 
changed  my  mind  about  going  to  Mrs.  Metcalf's ;  if  you 
think  it  will  be  pardonable  for  me  to  go  after  having  de- 
clined her  invitation.  I  shall  be  too  late  for  the  dinner, 
but  shall  be  in  season  for  the  conversation  and  music, 
which  is  all  I  care  for." 

"You  are  the  most  eccentric  girl  I've  ever  known,  Di; 
the  very  embodiment  of  caprice.  What  made  you  change 
your  mind  at  the  last  minute  ?  " 

"I  finished  my  calls  sooner  than  I  expected,  and  as  I 
saw  you  were  disappointed  because  I  refused  this  invita- 
tion, I  hurried  home,  made  a  hasty  toilet;  and  now  am  I 
presentable  ?  " 

Mrs.  Howell  examined  critically  the  details  of  her 
daughter's  dress  —  a  soft  gray  silk,  with  delicate  lace  at 
the  throat,  fastened  with  a  coral  pin,  Diantha's  favorite 
ornament.  Her  brown  hair  waved  and  rippled  naturally 
above  her  fair  brow,  and  was  simply  coiled  at  the  back  of 
her  head.  There  was  no  attempt  at  artistic  effect  in  its 
arrangement,  and  yet  it  was  a  crown  of  such  rare  and 
golden  beauty  that  one  could  not  fail  to  observe  it. 

"  You  always  dress  so  severely  plain,  Di ;  but  I  believe 
the  general  effect  is  good  this  evening." 

Diantha  read  approval  in  her  father's  face. 

"  I  am  glad  you  can  approve,  mother ;  good  night !  and 
don't  sit  up  for  us." 


MRS.    HOWELL   AT    HOME.  49 

Mrs.  Hovvell  arose  from  the  sofa  as  soon  as  Diautha  had 
disappeared,  saying,  — 

"This  discussion  has  brought  on  one  of  my  severest 
headaches,  and  I  must  go  to  my  room.  Of  course  you 
will  do  as  you  think  best  about  bringing  that  sick  child 
h.<re." 

"  Do  you  think  favorably  of  taking  this  time  for  a  visit 
to  New  York?" 

"  My  head  aches  so  severely  that  I  cannot  think ;  but 
I'll  talk  it  over  with  Louise  in  the  morning.  It  will  be 
very  awkward  to  thrust  one's  self  into  a  private  family 
with  only  a  day's  notice ;  but  I  suppose  it  isn't  worth  while 
to  consult  our  convenience.  We  can  go  to  a  hotel  if 
brother  Ralph's  family  can't  receive  us."  And  with  the 
air  and  tone  of  a  martyr  Mrs.  Howell  swept  from  the 
room. 

The  doctor,  after  five  minutes  of  whistling,  humming, 
and  apparent  study  of  the  coal  fire,  buttoned  on  his  heavy 
coat,  and  betook  himself  to  the  streets,  which  were  still 
thronged  with  the  hurrying  feet  and  eager  faces  of  those 
whose  preparations  for  Christmas  kept  them  abroad. 
4 


50  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

CHRISTMAS. 

"  Win  her  with  gifts  if  she  respect  not  words ; 
Dumb  jewels  often,  in  their  silent  kind, 
More  than  quick  words,  do  move  a  woman's  mind." 

SHAKESPEARE. 

FEW  ladies  have  possessed  Mrs.  Howell's  tact  in  so  yield- 
ing a  disputed  point  as  to  gain  their  own  desires,  and  at 
the  same  time  appear  a  martyr  to  the  convictions  of  an- 
other. If  ever  the  doctor  imagined  himself  victorious  in  a 
matter  where  his  wishes  clashed  with  those  of  his  wife,  it 
behooved  him  to  look  well  to  his  honors,  for  if  she  yielded 
one  inch  of  contested  ground,  it  was  but  to  strengthen  her 
defences  on  more  desirable  points. 

It  mattered  little  to  Mrs.  Howell  whether  Edna  Shreve 
was  nursed  and  cared  for  in  the  room  over  the  doctor's 
office,  so  long  as  her  residence  in  the  house  in  no  way  con- 
flicted with  the  pursuits  and  comforts  of  its  mistress,  and 
especially  if  withdrawal  of  opposition  from  the  doctor's 
scheme  secured  for  her  the  pleasures  of  a  visit  to  New 
York. 

The  conference  with  Louise  decided  the  question  of  the 
visit;  there  was  remarkable  harmony  of  tastes  and  opinions 
between  mother  and  daughter,  and  both  agreed  that  much 
might  be  sacrificed  to  gain  so  desirable  an  object  as  this 
visit. 

"I   propose,   mother,   that  we  go   at  once   to  the  St. 


CHRISTMAS.  51 

Nicholas,  and  send  Uncle  Ralph  a  line  from  there.  Of 
course  he  will  call  immediately,  and  take  us  to  his  house. 
It  is  fortunate  that  my  wardrobe  is  so  handsome  this 
winter ;  I  shall  need  only  one  more  party  dress,  and  I  can 
have  that  made  so  stylishly  in  New  York.  You'll  want  a 
new  moire  antique,  and  it  will  be  positively  shameful  if 
father  doesn't  give  you  a  camel's  hair  shawl,  when  he  more 
than  half  compels  you  to  make  this  visit." 

"Louise,  I've  often  requested  you  never  to  speak  dis- 
respectfully of  Dr.  Howell.  He  has  been  a  kind  father  to 
you." 

"  I'm  quite  as  well  aware  of  that  as  need  be,  and  I  do 
respect  him  and  love  him  ;  but  you  know  he  is  often  close 
and  niggardly  as  regards  money,  especially  when  'tis  spent 
on  dress.  Think  what  subterfuges  you  sometimes  are 
obliged  to  resort  to,  just  to  obtain  such  things  as  are  neces- 
sary in  genteel  society." 

"  Yet,  in  justice  to  Dr.  Howell,  I  must  say,  Louise,  he's 
generous  enough  with  money  when  'tis  used  in  accordance 
with  his  notions  of  right.  He's  not  like  your  dear  father, 
who  never  objected  to  my  manner  of  spending  money,  so 
long  as  I  looked  pretty  and  genteel.  The  doctor  is  not  as 
broad  and  liberal  in  his  views  as  I  could  wish." 

And  Mrs.  Howell  sighed  with  genuine  emotion,  because, 
forsooth,  she  was  wondering  whether  the  doctor's  breadth 
and  liberality  would  be  stretched  at  this  crisis  over  the  area 
of  an  India  shawl.  To  be  sure,  she  had  settled  in  her  own 
mind  that  a  new  lace-trimmed  velvet  cloak  and  a  black 
moire  dress  would  be  not  only  becoming,  but  stylish,  even 
if  she  was  obliged  to  make  so  great  a  saci'ifice  of  her  tastes 
as  to  go  to  New  York  without  the  shawl. 

"  We  must  go  down  to  breakfast  now,  Louise,  for,  even 
if  'tis  Christmas  morning,  the  doctor  will  have  a  round  of 
calls  to  make,  and  won't  like  to  be  kept  waiting.  LJut 


52  DB.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

tell  me  first  how  Diantha  appeared  at  the  Metcalfs'  last 
evening." 

"  O,  much  as  usual.  Di  has  never  any  style,  and,  I  might 
almost  add,  no  self-respect.  Whenever  she  meets  real 
make-weights  at  parties,  such  persons  as  nobody  wants  to 
know,  she's  all  graciousness  and  attention.  She  had  no 
words  for  anybody  last  night  but  that  strong-minded  Miss 
Wheeler,  who  always  seems  to  me  a  walking  advertise- 
ment of  some  foundling  hospital.  Her  gray  eyes  are  always 
asking  for  your  old  clothes,  and  carefully  calculating  how 
many  poor  children  could  be  clothed  and  fed  with  the  cost 
of  your  dress ;  and  then  the  very  limpness,  scantiness,  and 
grayness  of  herown  stuff  gown  seem  to  frown  a  remonstrance 
against  everything  that  is  stylish  and  fashionable.  Di  was 
in  a  corner  with  Miss  Wheeler  and  Mrs.  Metcalf  more  than 
half  the  evening,  and  appeai-ed  to  be  entertaining  them 
with  the  wants  of  her  poor  people.  She  wouldn't  dance, 
and  didn't  sing  but  one  piece.  I  must  say,  mother,  Di  is 
all  Howell,  and  is  fast  growing  to  be  a  girl  of  one  idea." 

"  It  is  such  a  pity !  With  her  talents  she  might  be  an 
ornament  to  society.  But  I've  done  my  duty  both  by  ex- 
ample and  precept  —  the  dear  child  has  had  line  upon  line." 
Even  this  consoling  reflection  did  not  soften  the  aggrieved 
expression  upon  Mrs.  Howell's  face,  which  she  deemed  a 
necessary  herald  of  the  sacrifice  she  was  about  to  make  in 
permitting  the  orphan  Edna  to  be  nursed  in  her  house. 
Entering  the  breakfast-parlor,  they  found  Dr.  Howell, 
Diantha,  and  Stephen  in  waiting,  and  were  greeted  hearti- 
ly with  the  compliments  of  the  season.  Before  the  serving 
of  coffee,  an  investigation  was  made  of  the  articles  upon  a 
side-table,  where  it  had  been  arranged  to  deposit  such  gifts 
as  the  members  of  this  family  presented  to  each  other. 

There  was  a  sealed  envelope  directed  in  the  doctor's 
handwriting  to  Mrs.  Howell,  and  to  each  of  his  children  a 
handsomelv  bound  book. 


CHRISTMAS.  53 

Mrs.  Howell's  gifts  daguerreotyped  her  peculiar  tastes 
quite  as  forcibly  as  words  could,  and  she  gave  herself  great 
credit  for  the  magnanimity  which  could  treat  both  daugh- 
ters alike,  when  one  pursued  a  course  so  antagonistic  to 
the  example  of  her  mother  and  older  sister. 

Louise  and  Diantha  received  very  handsome  and  showy 
bracelets  from  their  mother,  with  an  assurance  that  she  had 
denied  herself  many  little  pleasures  for  the  sake  of  present- 
ing these  fashionable  ornaments  —  an  assurance  which  was 
intended  to  enhance  the  value  of  the  gifts,  as  well  as  to 
remind  the  young  ladies  of  her  own  self-sacrificing  dis- 
position. 

The  accomplished  Miss  Goodenow  had  crocheted  and 
embroidered  some  useless  trifles,  and  received  thanks  from 
the  recipients  of  these  favors  with  her  usual  elegant  non- 
chalance. 

Diantha's  nimble  fingers  had  netted  a  pretty  breakfast 
shawl  for  her  mother  of  soft  pink  wool,  and  for  her  father, 
Louise,  and  Stephen  she  had  executed  with  remarkable 
grace  and  skill  some  sketches  in  water-colors.  If  Diantha 
excelled  in  any  accomplishment,  it  was  with  her  pencil  and 
brush. 

Stephen's  gifts  were  characteristic  of  his  taste. and  talent 
• — fanciful  little  boxes  and  brackets  carved  with  his  own 
hands  from  rosewood  and  ebony.  The  contents  of  the 
sealed  envelope  were  not  revealed  .to  the  members  of  the 
breakfast  party,  but  before  the  doctor  left  his  office  for  the 
Bonsecour  Home,  his  lady  entered  with  as  much  emotion 
stamped  upon  her  face  as  she  felt  would  be  becoming. 

"  I  have  come  to  thank  you,  Stephen,  for  your  timely  and 
appropriate  gift.  I  suppose  you  would  like  me  to  use  this 
check  in  buying  an  India  shawl." 

"  Make  just  that  use  of  it,  Mary,  which  will  add  most  to 
your  comfort  and  happiness." 


54  DR.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  I  have  long  been  convinced  that  an  India  shawl  is  an 
economical  garment,  because  it  lasts  a  lifetime,  and  is  al- 
ways fashionable.  I  do  not,  in  fact,  regard  a  lady's  ward- 
robe as  complete  or  hardly  respectable  without  it.  You 
have  taken  away  the  greatest  objection  I  had  to  going  to 
New  York  at  this  season  by  presenting  this  check,  as,  I 
must  confess,  much  as  I  wanted  to  visit  Ralph  Goodenow's 
family,  I  should  have  been  ashamed  to  go  there  again 
without  a  camel's  hair  shawl.  I  find  Louise  is  delighted 
with  the  prospect  of  the  visit,  and  I  really  think  the  change 
will  do  us  both  good.  I  hope  the  little  orphan  you  are  so 
much  interested  in  will  gain  very  rapidly  when  she  gets 
into  that  quiet  room,  where  she  can  have  your  attendance 
and  Diantha's  almost  constantly.  She  ought  to  gain  after 
so  many  sacrifices  have  been  made  for  her." 

"  Shall  you  leave  for  New  York  to-morrow  ?  " 

"  We  can't  possibly  leave  until  Monday.  You  know  this 
is  Friday;  but  if  the  room  is  ready  to-morrow,  you  may 
bring  the  child  here,  provided  you  are  quite  sure  there  is 
no  danger  of  infection." 

"You  need  not  have  one  anxious  thought  on  that  point. 
I  will  go  and  see  what  can  be  done  for  her  comfort  this 
morning,  and  then,  if  I  can  find  people  who  will  assist  me 
on  this  holiday,  I  think  we  can  get  the  room  ready  for  the 
poor  child  by  to-morrow  evening." 

The  doctor  had  buttoned  on  his  out-door  coat  while 
speaking,  and  now,  with  his  hand  upon  the  door-knob,  was 
arrested  by  his  wife. 

"  You  mustn't  forget  to  engage  that  American  woman 
you  spoke  of  to  assist  Diautha ;  for  really  I  couldn't  enjoy 
visiting  my  brother's  family  if  I  had  to  think  of  that  deal- 
child  as  mewed  up  at  home,  drudging  and  fagging  for 
others.  And,  doctor,  think  seriously  of  what  I  told  you 
last  evening  about  the  use  Diantha  is  making  of  her  time 


CHRISTMAS.  55 

and  talents.  Don't  let  her  slip  into  such  narrow  grooves 
of  thinking  and  acting  as  Miss  Wheeler  has." 

Dr.  liowell  smiled  instead  of  whistling;  but  then  he  was 
never  so  likely  to  indulge  in  that  pastime  before  his  morn- 
ing round  of  calls  as  after  his  return  ;  so  that  probably  the 
smile  should  have  been  set  down  quite  as  much  to  the 
credit  of  cool  and  quiet  nerves,  as  to  any  unusual  control 
of  his  musical  inclinations. 

"  I'll  do  my  best  for  our  Daisy,"  he  said,  and  with  a 
hurried  good  morning  went  forth  to  his  professional  duties. 
He  was  not  surprised  to  find  Diantha  already  at  the  Bon- 
secour  Home,  as  she  had  expressed  much  anxiety  about  the 
state  of  his  little  patient  on  the  previous  evening.  She  was 
holding  the  delirious  child  in  her  arms,  and  attempting  to 
soothe  the  ravings  of  her  fever  by  cool  applications  to  her 
head,  and  those  gentle  ministries  that  some  women  seem  to 
know  intuitively  how  to  render. 

After  a  minute's  serious  watching  of  Edna's  state,  the 
doctor  spoke:  — 

"Daisy,  we  have  need  of  the  most  tender  nursing  here; 
medicine  can  do  comparatively  little.  If  you  can  stay  with 
her  till  twelve  o'clock,  I  think  I  can  have  Mrs.  Bartlette 
here  to  relieve  you  by  that  time.  She  is  a  woman  whom 
I  can  trust  to  assist  you  in  a  delicate  case  of  this  kind,  and 
to-morrow  we  must  have  her  in  a  quiet  room." 

There  was  a  grave  emphasis  in  the  doctor's  tones  and 
looks,  and  Diantha  needed  no  further  words  to  assure  her 
that  the  suffering  child  was  in  a  most  critical  and  danger- 
ous condition. 

"  I  will  stay  with  her,  father,  until  she  can  be  removed 
to  our  house." 

"  I  cannot  permit  that,  Daisy ;  while  the  child  is  deliri- 
ous and  unconscious,  Mrs.  Bartlette  can  serve  as  well  as 
you.  Your  willing  strength  must  not  be  too  severely 


56  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

taxed  in  the  beginning.  If  we  are  so  fortunate  as  to  bring 
this  child  through  the  crisis  of  her  fever,  she  will  need  your 
most  tender  and  judicious  treatment  during  her  convales- 
cence. When  Mrs.  Bartlette  arrives,  I  want  you  to  go  in 
and  write  or  read  for  Captain  Ashmead  a  few  minutes ;  and 
then,  if  I  can  find  Berry  or  MacDougald,  and  they  are 
willing  to  show  me  carpets  and  furniture  on  this  holiday, 
I  shall  call  for  you,  with  my  horse  and  sleigh,  to  assist  me 
in  making  selections." 

And  with  a  few  directions  concerning  the  treatment  of 
Edna,  the  doctor  left  her  to  Diantha's  care.  She  had  the 
satisfaction  of  knowing  that  the  child  was  soothed  and 
quieted  by  the  touch  of  her  hands,  and  seemed  conscious 
of  a  gentle  presence  near  her.  The  ravings  of  her  delirium 
gradually  subsided  into  plaintive  moans  for  her  mother, 
little  Nathan,  and  the  far-off  Smyrna  home,  and  before 
Mrs.  Bartlette's  arrival  she  had  so  far  yielded  to  the  tender 
ministrations  of  Diantha  as  to  sink  into  an  uneasy  slumber, 
broken  by  sobs  and  incoherent  words,  but  still  a  much 
more  hopeful  condition  than  she  was  in  two  hours 
before. 

Mrs.  Bartlette's  face  wore  the  marks  of  a  keen  sorrow 
not  yet  buried,  but  its  expression  assured  Diantha  that 
whatever  a  watchful  nurse's  skill  could  do  for  Edna  would 
be  done  with  a  mothers  tenderness.  There  were  honesty 
and  intelligence  in  the  quiet,  worn  face  and  light  gray 
eyes,  and  patience  rather  than  hope  in  every  movement  of 
her  features  and  hands. 

"You  are  the  doctor's  daughter?"  she  asked  in  a  tone 
so  low  and  soft  that  the  lightest  slumber  could  not  have 
been  disturbed  by  it. 

"  Yes,  and  you  are  the  good  woman  father  thought  could 
be  trusted  with  this  case  ?  "  The  woman  assented,  as  with 
quiet  fingers  she  unloosened  the  fastenings  of  her  black 


CELRISTMAS.  57 

cloak  and  crape  bonnet,  and  took  the  seat  Diantha  vacated. 
She  watched  the  sleeper's  face  for  a  minute  with  startled 
eagerness,  as  if  old  memories  had  been  aroused  by  it,  and 
then,  turning  to  Diantha,  said,  — 

"I  was  longing  for  work  only  this  morning  —  for  some- 
thing that  should  enlist  my  sympathies  and  engross  my 
thoughts,  as  well  as  busy  my  hands ;  and  your  father  has 
given  me  just  what  I  should  have  chosen  to  do." 

The  sobs  and  wailings  of  the  sleeping  child  made  further 
conversation  impossible,  and  Diantha  left  her  in  charge 
of  the  new  attendant,  and  went  to  the  ward  where  Captain 
Ashmead  was  confined.  His  eyes  were  turned  expectantly 
towards  the  door  when  she  entered,  and  met  hers  with  a 
grateful  welcome. 

"  Your  father  said  you  would  come,  Miss  Howell,  and 
report  to  me  the  condition  of  my  little  passenger ;  but  you 
are  late." 

"Yes;  I  did  not  like  to  leave  Edna  until  the  woman 
came  who  is  to  nurse  her.  She  is  more  quiet  than  she  was 
two  hours  ago ;  but  'tis  very  sad  and  painful  to  hear  her 
call  upon  her  mamma  and  Nathan  to  save  her  from  the 
dreadful  waves." 

"  Poor  girl !  so  she  is  living  over  those  awful  hours  of 
agony  and  suspense !  If  I  close  my  eyes,  I  am  still  stand- 
ing on  those  shivering  planks,  and  the  hungry  waves  are 
tumbling  over  me,  and  the  sad  voice  of  Mrs.  Shreve  is 
ringing  in  my  ears  above  the  roar  of  the  breakers  and  the 
creaking  of  the  cordage." 

"I  know  nothing  about  the  religion  that  seemed  such  a 
comfort  to  her,  but  I  shall  never  forget  the  plaintive  re- 
frain of  one  hymn  she  sung :  — 

'  It  is  I ;  be  not  afraid.' 
And  it  was  the  closing  line  of  every  stanza.     I  thought 


58  DK.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

death  was  inevitable,  and  I  determined  to  meet  it  bravely; 
but  there  was  no  light  or  hope  for  me  beyond  those  cruel 
breakers." 

"  And  now  ?  "  questioned  Diantha,  timidly. 

"  And  now  I  can  but  acknowledge  that  a  power  mightier 
than  man's  interposed  to  save  us ;  but  the  justice,  mercy, 
and  loveliness  of  that  power  I  fail  to  recognize.  Why,  if 
He  holds  the  winds  and  the  waves  in  the  hollow  of  His 
hand,  did  He  permit  Edna's  mother  and  brother,  and  ten 
more  poor  wretches,  to  perish  in  sight  of  land  ?  " 

"  It  is  enough  for  me  to  know  that  God  permitted  it, 
without  asking  why.  I  dare  not  reach  out  after  a  knowl- 
edge of  those  things  which  He  has  wisely  hidden.  Had  I 
been  one  of  the  survivors  of  that  wreck,  I  think  the  ques- 
tion, '  Lord,  what  wilt  Thou  have  me  to  do  ?'  would  knock 
at  the  door  of  my  heart  for  an  answer  before  doubts  of  the 
infinite  goodness  and  mercy  found  entrance.  But  I'm 
afraid,  Captain  Ashmead,  I  have  disobeyed  father's  injunc- 
tions in  allowing  you  to  speak  on  an  exciting  theme.  Shall 
I  read  to  you  ?  " 

"  The  sound  of  your  voice  is  pleasant  and  restful,  and  I 
must  confess  to  a  hungry  yearning  for  something  that  shall 
turn  my  thoughts  away  from  that  haunting  wreck  and  my 
poor  disabled  limb.  Can  you  find  the  words  Mrs.  Shreve 
sung  in  the  Bible  ?  " 

Diantha  brought  a  Bible  and  read  Matthew's  record  of 
the  stilling  of  the  waves,  and  then  turned  to  the  one  hun- 
dred and  third  Psalm ;  but  before  she  had  concluded  it  she 
was  summoned  by  her  father. 

"  I  suppose  I  must  not  expect  you  to  come  to  the 
hospital  after  Edna  is  removed?"  remarked  the  captain, 
when  Diantha  closed  her  book  and  bade  him  good 
morning. 

"  I  shall  come  if  I  can  help  you  in  any  way,  and  as  soon 


CHRISTMAS.  59 

as  father  thinks  you  are  strong  enough  to  dictate,  I  will 
write  the  letters  you  spoke  of  to  him." 

There  was  much  heartiness  and  gratitude  in  the  captain's 
"thank  you,"  and  "good  morning!"  and  Diantha  had  a 
pleasant  consciousness,  while  looking  at  carpets  and  furni- 
ture, that  the  wreck  of  the  Stella  had  already  woven 
threads  into  her  web  of  life  of  a  deeper  and  more  vivid 
coloring  than  time's  e very-day  shuttle  had  hitherto  wrought. 


60  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER  VH. 

AT     HOME      AND     ABROAD. 

"  111  fares  the  child  of  heaven,  who  will  not  entertain 
On  earth  the  stranger's  grief,  the  exile's  sense  of  pain." 

TREHCH. 
"  Selfishness 
Is  never  great,  and  moves  to  no  great  d^-eds." 

DR.  HOWELL  had  no  difficulty  in  finding  workmen,  who 
forwarded  as  expeditiously  as  he  could  wish  the  transfor- 
mation of  the  chamber  over  his  office  into  an  apartment 
for  Edna  Shreve. 

With  Diantha's  aid  he  selected  a  pretty  ingrain  carpet 
of  subdued  colors,  a  chamber  set  of  chestnut,  and  delicate 
buff  curtains;  while  his  daughter  adorned  the  walls  with 
sketches  in  crayon  and  water-colors,  the  fruits  of  her  own 
pencil  and  brush.  In  the  southern  window  she  placed  a 
stand  of  her  most  fragrant  flowering  shrubs,  and  an  Eng- 
lish ivy  almost  concealed  another  window  with  its  wealth 
of  green  leaves.  And  in  less  than  forty-eight  hours  after 
the  doctor  had  broached  this  "quixotic  scheme"  to  his 
wife,  the  unconscious  little  orphan  was  brought  upon  a 
mattress  in  a  close  carriage  to  take  possession  of  her  new 
quarters. 

"  You've  spent  as  much  money  on  that  room,  and  made 
as  much  fuss  in  ornamenting  it  with  your  pictures  and 
flowers,  as  if  it  were  for  one  of  Queen  Victoria's  children," 
remarked  Mrs.  Howell,  when  the  family  had  gathered  in 
the  parlor  after  the  toils  and  labors  of  the  day. 


AT    HOME    AND    ABROAD.  61 

"Perhaps  so,"  rejoined  the  doctor,  "for  I  have  remem- 
bered that  she  is  one  of  God's  little  ones,  and  that  He  has 
said,  'Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  the  least 
of  these,  ye  have  done  it  unto  Me.' " 

"  It  is  to  be  hoped  the  child  will  appreciate  the  value  of 
the  money  and  time  spent  upon  her,"  added  Miss  Goode- 
now,  with  a  look  and  tone  which  plainly  intimated  that 
such  a  charitable  wish  was  without  the  pale  of  reason. 

"  It  will  certainly  be  pleasant,  if  the  poor  child  lives,  to 
know  that  she  appreciates  the  services  we  have  rendered, 
and  will  be  a  healthy  stimulus  to  future  deeds  of  self- 
denial  ;  but  we  are  not  taught  by  our  divine  Master  to 
regulate  our  charity  by  the  amount  of  appreciation  which 
it  receives,"  said  the  doctor. 

"  I  reckon,  if  we  did,"  replied  his  lady,  "  the  sum  of  our 
charities  would  not  materially  decrease  our  comforts. 
Take  that  Jenks  family,  for  instance;  you  give  an  old 
gown  to  one  of  the  girls,  and  the  mother  will  be  sure  to 
ask  for  a  cloak  or  shawl  to  go  with  it ;  and  if  you  give  them 
a  pair  of  shoes,  they'll  remind  you  of  their  need  of  stock- 
ings. I  decided  long  ago  that  my  own  comfort  and  hap- 
piness were  of  as  much  importance  as  the  wants  of  shift- 
less beggars,  who  would  sooner  live  upon  the  bounty  of 
the  rich  than  work.  Mr.  Goodenow  used  to  say  that  pov- 
erty was  as  frequently  due  to  a  lack  of  tact  and  thrift  as 
to  adverse  circumstances,  and  should  never  be  encouraged 
by  indiscriminate  charity."  • 

Dr.  Howell  had  many  years  before  acquired  the  habit 
of  receiving  in  silence  his  wife's  version  of  her  former 
husband's  tastes  and  opinions,  and  if  his  own  private  judg- 
ment dii  not  entirely  harmonize  with  the  late  Mr.  Good- 
enow's,  he  rarely  proclaimed  the  fact ;  and  Mrs.  HowelPs 
assertion  that  her  own  comfort  and  happiness  were  of 
paramount  importance,  was  a  truth  so  evident  to  the  fain- 


62  DU.  HOWKLL'S  FAMILY. 

ily  circle,  that  it  was  unnecessary  to  add  to  or  subtract 
from  it;  therefore  no  reply  was  made,  and  Mrs.  Howell 
crocheted  with  a  haughty  dignity  habitual  to  her,  and  with 
an  expression  meant  to  convey  the  pith  of  Solomon's  as- 
sertion, that  "  the  wisdom  of  the  prudent  is  to  understand 
his  way." 

Diantha,  loving  both  her  parents  with  the  wealth  of  a 
generous  nature,  was  always  keenly  sensitive  to  any  discor- 
dant note  in  the  domestic  harmony,  and  in  some  way 
endeavored  to  exorcise  the  jarring  spirit.  On  this  particu- 
lar Saturday  evening,  her  desire  to  promote  a  feeling  of 
good-will  and  charity,  by  introducing  a  theme  of  common 
interest  to  all,  suggested  the  propriety  of  drawing  out  her 
half-sister's  accomplishments,  which  were  rarely  displayed 
for  the  entertainment  of  her  relatives. 

"  Louise,"  she  said,  walking  to  the  side  of  that  young 
lady,  and  laying  upon  her  shoulder  a  hand  which  conveyed 
as  much  persuasion  in  its  touch  as  that  member  is  often 
gifted  with,  —  "  Louise,  won't  you  please  play  for  papa  and 
Stephen  that  selection  from  Mendelssohn  which  so  delighted 
the  company  at  Mrs.  Metcalf's  last  evening  ?  I  heard  Mr. 
Horace  Metcalf  say  he  never  heard  an  amateur  perform- 
ance that  pleased  him  so  well." 

Perhaps  the  compliment,  coming  as  it  did  from  an 
authority  which  Miss  Goodenow  recognized  as  worthy, 
and  perhaps  the  anticipated  pleasures  of  her  New  York 
visit, softened  her  haughty  spirit;  and  it  may  be  that  kindly 
impulses  in  her  nature,  deeply  hidden  beneath  its  thick 
crust  of  selfishness,  had  been  stirred  by  the  glimpse  she 
caught  of  Edna's  helpless  condition  when  she  was  borne 
through  the  hall :  so  that,  contrary  to  her  usual  diso- 
bliging habit,  she  walked  to  the  piano,  only  murmuring 
something  to  the  effect  "that  papa  and  Stephen  couldn't 
appreciate  her  style  of  music ;  they  enjoyed  less  classical 
compositions  than  she  played." 


AT    HOME   AND    ABROAD.  63 

"  You  must  assist  in  educating  our  tastes,  Louise,"  said 
Stephen,  laying  aside  his  novel ;  and  his  sister,  probably 
inspired  by  the  novelty  of  an  amiable  desire  to  confer 
pleasure,  played  with  such  spirit,  interest,  and  expression 
as  to  elicit  the  heartiest  praise  from  the  doctor;  and  Mr. 
Metcalf  happening  to  call  in  season  to  share  the  latter 
part  of  the  entertainment,  the  fair  pianist  doubtless  felt 
that  even  in  this  life  there  are  compensations  for  acts  of 
self-denial. 

Mrs.  Howell  and  Miss  Goodenow  were  satisfied  with  the 
momentary  glimpse  they  had  of  Edna's  pale  face  when  she 
was  borne  through  the  hall;  and  neither  curiosity  nor 
charity  tempted  them  to  the  chamber  where  she  lay  before 
they  started  for  New  York.  However,  there  was  much 
packing  and  consultation  to  occupy  their  thoughts,  and, 
the  Sabbath  intervening,  the  services  at  Dr.  Blossom's 
church  must  be  attended,  especially  as  the  house  was  most 
elaborately  decorated  with  evergreens  and  flowers,  in 
honor,  as  was  generally  supposed,  of  our  Saviour's  birth. 
And  Miss  Goodenow  declared  "  she  would  not  miss  seeing 
the  Christinas  decorations  and  hearing  the  music  for  any 
money." 

Mrs.  Howell,  having  performed  her  maternal  duty,  and 
exhibited  her  new  velvet  cloak,  by  accompanying  her 
daughter  to  the  fashionable  church  in  the  morning,  and, 
besides,  feasted  her  eyes  on  its  beautiful  decorations,  and 
her  ears  with  the  appropriate  artistic  music  she  had  en- 
joyed, and  the  subduing  effects  of  the  handsome  doctor's 
smoothly-flowing  sermon,  thought,  as  she  remarked  to  her 
husband,  that  "  she  had  received  a  sufficient  quantity  of 
mental  and  spiritual  food  for  one  day,  and  though  in  the 
morning  she  had  anticipated  hearing  Rev.  Mr.  Dinsmore's 
evening  discourse  (she  was  a  member  of  the  church 
where  the  latter  divine  officiated,  and  where  the  doctor 


64  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

and  Diantha  honored  their  profession  by  regular  attend- 
ance), yet'now  she  felt  it  would  be  unwise  to  place  her- 
self in  the  way  of  disturbing  the  harmonious  eifects  of  the 
morning  services. 

And  the  doctor  did  not  urge  her  to  make  what  she 
would  have  called  a  "  sacrifice." 

With  many  injunctions  to  Diantha.  about  the  housekeep- 
ing, and  with  reiterated  regrets  that  she  was  compelled  to 
leave  home  just  at  this  time,  when  all  her  friends  were 
giving  parties,  Mrs.  Ho  well  kissed  "  her  dear,  old-fashioned, 
domestic  daughter,"  as  she  often  plaintively  called  Dian- 
tha, and  performing  the  same  affectionate  ceremony  upon 
the  doctor  and  Stephen,  and  being  dutifully  imitated  in 
her  mariner  of  leave-taking  by  Miss  Goodenow,  the  ladies 
were  assisted  into  the  carriage  that  was  to  convey  them  to 
the  depot,  which  carriage  was  closely  followed  by  a  por- 
ter's hack,  containing  three  immense  trunks  and  two  small 
ones.  We  will  permit  Mrs.  Howell  to  describe  some  of 
her  New  York  pleasures  in  a  letter,  which,  as  one  writer 
has  remarked,  "  is  always  the  best  exponent  of  a  woman's 
character." 

NEW  YORK,  January  2,  185-. 

"  DEAR  DOCTOR  :  You  have,  of  course,  received  the 
note  I  despatched  from  the  St.  Nicholas  Hotel,  telling  you 
of  our  journey  and  our  safe  arrival.  Brother  Ralph  sent 
his  carriage  for  us  the  day  after  we  reached  the  city ;  and 
though  we  have  been  domiciled  in  his  delightful  home 
nearly  a  week,  I  really  have  not  found  time  to  write  be- 
fore, because  of  the  constant  succession  of  charming  atten- 
tions that  have  been  showered  upon  us.  I  must  tell  you, 
first,  that  Ralph  is  not  living  now  where  he  lived  when  I 
visited  him  five  years  ago,  but  has  recently  bought  a  pala- 
tial residence  on  Montague  Square.  It  is  a  brown  stone 
front,  five  stories  high  with  the  basement,  and  presents  an 


AT    HOME    AND    ABROAD.  65 

imposing  appearance  on  the  outside,  while  the  interior  is 
exquisitely  furnished  from  basement  to  attic.  The  library, 
reception-parlor,  and  dining-room  are  finished  in  walnut, 
with  furniture  to  match.  I  should  say  nothing  could  be 
more  elegant  than  the  furnishing  of  these  rooms,  if  the 
drawing-room  did  not  so  far  exceed  them  in  loveliness  and 
richness.  The  finish  of  that  room  is  in  rosewood,  with 
beautifully  frescoed  walls ;  the  furniture  is  a  unique  pat- 
tern in  ebony,  ornamented  with  gilt,  and  upholstered  with 
rose-colored  silk  rep,  and  window  draperies  to  match. 
The  carpet  is  Axminster,  so  rich  and  handsome  that  I 
cannot  think  of  describing  it;  but  it  constantly  reminds 
me  of  half-blown  rose-buds  and  lilies  of  the  valley  thrown 
upon  a  ground  of  fawn-colored  velvet.  The  walls  are 
covered  with  pictures  by  the  best  artists,  and  there  is  al- 
most an  endless  variety  of  beautiful  ornaments,  vases, 
bronzes,  statuettes,  &c. 

"  Ralph's  wife  keeps  four  servants,  besides  a  colored  boy, 
and  they  have  one  of  the  most  stylish  turnouts  in  New 
York  —  two  splendid  bay  horses,  and  the  family  coat  of 
arms  on  the  door  of  the  carriage :  this  coat  of  arms  is  also 
engraved  on  the  silver,  and  on  the  china  dinner-service. 
Indeed,  it  would  take  me  all  day  to  enumerate  one  half 
the  luxuries  and  elegances  which  Ralph's  family  seem  to 
use  as  the  merest  every-day  trifles. 

"  You  remember  they  have  but  two  children.  Arthur, 
Avho  was  named  for  my  dear  husband,  and  Hortense,  an 
accomplished  girl  of  twenty.  Arthur  is  just  the  age  of 
my  Louise ;  he  has  finished  his  education,  and  is  at  home, 
in  daily  expectation  of  receiving  a  lucrative  appointment 
as  secretary  to  one  of  our  foreign  embassies.  He.  is  very 
talented  and  distinguished  looking,  and  is  very  attentive 
to  his  cousin  Louise. 

"  Yesterday,  it  being  New  Year's  Day,  Ralph's  wife  and 
5 


66  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

daughter  were  at  home  to  all  their  gentleman  friends.  They 
were  quite  as  handsomely  dressed  as  if  they  were  going 
to  a  ball.  I  declare,  Stephen,  sister  Ralph's  lace  and  jew- 
els were  worth  a  moderate  fortune.  Hortense  is  a  blonde, 
and  though  she  is  called  very  pretty,  I  must  say  she  looks 
insipid  when  contrasted  with  my  Louise.  She  wore  a  lovely 
blue  silk,  with  exquisite  pearl  ornaments,  and  Louise  had  a 
peach-colored  silk  made  for  the  occasion.  Her  uncle  Ralph 
gave  her  the  choicest  set  of  rubies  for  a  New  Year's  pres- 
ent I  ever  saw ;  they  were  lovely  with  the  peach-colored 
silk,  and  Louise  looked,  as  she  always  does,  thoroughly 
lady-like  and  handsome;  more  than  one  gentleman  thought 
so,  too.  She  was  surrounded  with  admirers,  and  my  own 
early  triumphs  were  vividly  recalled. 

"The  drawing-room,  hall,  and  dining-room  were  deco- 
rated with  flowers,  and  one  might  almost  say  the  table 
groaned  under  its  weight  of  luxuries;  champagne  flowed 
as  freely  as  if  Ralph  owned  a  vineyard.  I  was  afraid  some 
of  the  gentlemen  who  called  late  in  the  day  had  taken  a 
trifle  too  much  of  something  that  had  an  exhilarating  ef- 
fect, as  they  talked,  and  laughed,  and  joked  rather  loudly 
for  the  society  of  ladies,  and  one  poor  fellow  actually  reeled 
so  clumsily  against  a  Roman  mosaic  table,  that  it  fell 
against  an  ebony  pedestal,  oil  which  stood  a  choice  little 
marble  statuette,  and  the  mosaic  table-top  and  the  statuette 
were  both  shivered.  Ralph  said  they  couldn't  be  replaced 
for  three  hundred  dollars;  but  his  wife  and  Hoi-tense  only 
laughed  about  it,  and  said  the  young  man  belonged  to  one 
of  the  first  families,  and  had  only  taken  one  glass  too  much. 
I  don't  suppose  you'll  be  much  interested  in  my  account 
of  the  New  Year's  festivities,  but  Diantha  will  be.  How- 
ever, there  is  a  question  you  will  be  interested  in  ;  and  that 
is,  To  what  are  Ralph's  great  wealth  and  prosperity  due? 

"You  know,  when  old  Mr.  Goodenow  died,  Ralph  and 


AT    HOME    AND    ABROAD.  67 

Arthur  each  received  from  his  estate  thirty  thousand  dol- 
lars. But  my  dear  husband  was  called  away  so  soon  that 
his  own  was  not  increased,  while  Ralph,  by  shrewd  man- 
agement and  careful  investments,  is  worth  half  a  million, 
and  his  wealth  is  rapidly  accumulating.  He  seemed 
greatly  surprised  and  shocked  when  I  told  him  Arthur's 
money  had  all  been  invested  in  bank  stock,  and  its  income 
had  barely  sufficed  to  educate  Louise,  and  dress  us  both 
respectably.  I  told  him  you  had  been  so  deeply  absorbed 
in  your  professional  duties  that  you  had  lost  sight  of  my 
moneyed  interests.  Ralph  said  no  business  man  would 
have  permitted  that  money  to  lie  comparatively  idle  so 
long.  He  generously  offers  to  secure  us  stock  in  a  copper- 
mining  company  of  which  he  is  president.  And,  by  the 
way,  I  find  Ralph's  business  is  almost  wholly  confined  to 
buying  and  selling  stocks  of  various  kinds ;  he  is  an  officer 
in  several  companies.  The  'Eureka  Copper-mining 'seems 
to  be  his  favorite  just  now,  and  he  says  its  stock  was  thirty 
per  cent,  above  par  on  Wall  Street  to-day,  and  may  be 
thirty-five  to-morrow;  but  as  Ralph  is  president  of  the 
company,  he  thinks  he  can  secure  for  us  several  thousand 
dollars'  worth  of  shares  considerably  below  the  market 
value.  Louise  is  very  much  excited  by  what  her  uncle 
tells  her  of  the  rapid  manner  in  which  money  properly  in- 
vested accumulates ;  he  says  there  is  every  reason  to  be- 
lieve her  fortune  may  be  doubled  in  less  than  two  years, 
if  she  will  permit  him  to  invest  it  for  her. 

"  Dear  girl !  no  one  could  more  gracefully  fill  a  position 
of  wealth,  and  I  would  like  to  see  her  the  mistress  of  a 
million.  She  is  as  much  at  ease  amidst  the  elegances  of 
her  uncle's  home  as  if  she  had  been  accustomed  to  them  all 
her  life,  instead  of  the  narrow  and  cramped  way  in  which 
we  have  lived  ever  since  my  second  marriage.  I  do  hope, 
doctor,  I  shall  be  able  to  persuade  you  to  sell  our  old  house, 


68  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

and  build  or  buy  on  Hawthorn  Avenue  or  Livingston 
Square.  If  you  haven't  love  enough  for  me  and  Louise  to 
gratify  our  wishes  in  this  respect,  you  should  consider  the 
future  prospects  of  Diantha  and  Stephen ;  but  I  have  wan- 
dered from  my  subject.  Louise  has  such  confidence  in 
what  her  uncle  Ralph  tells  her,  that  she  wishes  you  to 
withdraw  ten  thousand  dollars  of  her  money  from  the 
Merchants'  Bank,  and  send  it  to  her  by  express,  as  soon 
as  you  receive  this.  You  may  also  send  two  thousand 
dollars  of  my  dear  Arthur's  bequest  to  me ;  and  if  Ralph 
makes  an  investment  that  returns  me  handsome  dividends, 
then  I  will  make  a  larger  venture.  I  have  scarcely  given 
you  an  inkling  of  our  New  York  pleasures,  yet  I  have 
written  a  long  letter,  and  consumed  all  my  leisure.  We 
are  going  to  the  opera  to-night  to  hear  Marvelina,  and  to- 
morrow evening  we  accompany  Ralph's  family  to  a  bril- 
liant party.  Louise  sends  love,  and  says  she  will  write 
Diantha  soon.  With  love  to  my  children,  I  remain. 
Affectionately,  your  wife, 

MAEY  G.  HOWELL." 


EDNA'S  CONVALESCENCE. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 
EDNA'S    CONVALESCENCE. 

"  Thou  bring'st  no  tidings  of  the  better  land, 

Even  from  its  verge ;  the  mysteries  opened  there 
Are  what  the  faithful  heart  may  understand 
In  its  still  depths,  yet  words  may  not  declare. 

"  And  well  I  deem,  that,  from  the  brighter  side 
Of  life's  dim  border  some  o'erflowing  rays, 
Streamed  from  the  inner  glory,  shall  abide 
Upon  thy  spirit  through  the  coming  days." 

W.  C.  BRYANT. 

DR.  HOWELL  sat  for  several  minutes  by  his  office  fire 
after  be  had  read  his  wife's  letter,  whistling  softly,  and 
gazing  as  intently  at  the  glowing  coals  as  if  he  saw  therein 
the  means  to  gratify  her  ambitious  desires.  The  doctor 
was  not  wealthy,  and  his  house  was  neither  large  nor  ele- 
gant ;  but  it  was  pleasantly  situated,  overlooking  the  harbor 
of  Hanthrop  and  several  suburban  villages. 

Mrs.  Howell  and  Miss  Goodenow  argued  that  the  doc- 
tor's lucrative  profession  ought  to  maintain  them  in  a  style 
as  handsome  as  that  of  their  most  wealthy  neighbors,  in- 
asmuch as  their  own  income  relieved  him  from  some  heavy 
expenditures;  but  the  doctor's  tastes  were  quiet  and  re- 
fined, and  he  never  willingly  spent  a  dollar  of  his  income 
for  the  sake  of  keeping  up  appearances,  or  imitating  the 
fashions  of  his  more  wealthy  townsmen.  He  gave  liberally 
to  public  chai-ities,  while  his  heart  was  especially  open  to 
the  cries  of  the  needy  in  every  avenue  of  want.  There 


70  DB.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

was  scarcely  an  orphan,  or  widow,  or  poor  laborer  in  Han- 
throp,  but  had  reason  to  bless  his  name. 

If,  while  reading  Mrs.  HowelFs  letter,  the  doctor  had 
wished  for  the  means  to  procure  for  her  a  more  elegant 
home,  and  those  expensive  luxuries  which  her  worldly 
ambition  coveted,  it  must  be  confessed  that  the  longer  he 
whistled,  and  the  more  intently  he  studied  the  coals,  the 
more  determined  he  became  to  live  quietly  in  his  pleasant, 
comfortable  home,  and  so  to  husband  his  income  that  his 
charities  might  rather  be  increased  than  diminished. 

He  had  not  much  faith  in  Ralph  Goodenow's  invest- 
ments, but  he  dared  not  be  as  plain  and  emphatic  in  the 
unfolding  of  his  sceptical  opinions  to  his  wife,  as  he  might 
have  been,  had  she  not  so  often  taunted  him  with  his 
old-fashioned  ideas,  and  his  want  of  business  capacity; and 
acknowledging  to  himself  that  he  knew  much  more  of  the 
"  ills  that  flesh  is  heir  to "  than  of  the  money  market  — 
more  of  poverty  and  suffering  than  of  the  ways  and  means 
by  which  small  fortunes  are  expanded — his  reply  to  his 
wife's  letter  lacked  much  of  his  characteristic  firmness  and 
decision.  He  advised  her  to  leave  her  money  in  the  Mer- 
chants' Bank,  it  being  as  secure  there  as  human  sagacity 
and  prudence  could  devise,  and  if  not  quite  as  productive 
as  fancy  stocks,  in  his  opinion  much  safer.  He  thought 
if  she  and  Louise  invested  in  the  stocks  of  the  "Eureka 
Copper-mining  Company,"  they  would  procure  wings  for 
their  inheritance  which  would  waft  it  beyond  their  grasp. 

And  then  he  reminded  them  both  of  the  unhealthy  men- 
tal excitement  which  the  fluctuations  of  the  stock  market 
would  occasion,  and  entreated  them  to  be  content  with 
their  present  competency  —  to  seek  for  pleasure  and  hap- 
piness in  the  quiet  and  rational  paths  which  Providence 
opened  for  them,  and  not  to  covet  that  which  might  only 
impoverish  the  soul  while  gratifying  the  lusts  of  the  eye. 


EDNA'S  CONVALESCENCE.  71 

But  having  no  control  over  the  property  of  his  wife  and 
step-daughter,  he  could  do  no  less,  after  giving  them  his  ad- 
vice, than  remit  to  them  the  amount  they  had  desired. 

Mrs.  Ho  well  felt  that  her  husband's  professional  habits 
rendered  his  advice  almost  valueless  compared  with  her 
brother-in-law's,  and  thinking,  too,  that  he  had  always  been 
wanting  in  ambition  and  a  due  regard  for  the  fashions  of 
this  world,  (excepting,  of  course,  when  he  had  aspired  to 
the  honor  of  an  alliance  with  her  ladyship),  and  that  this 
very  want  of  ambition  would  disqualify  him  to  advise  in 
money  matters  —  her  affections  captivated  by  the  elegances 
of  her  brother's  establishment  —  her  reason  dazed  by  his 
talk  of  stocks,  investments,  and  rapidly-made  fortunes  — 
and  her  fancy  excited  by  brilliant  pictures  of  the  glory, 
honor,  and  power  of  wealth  —  perhaps  it  was  quite  natural 
that  both  mother  and  daughter  should  rely  upon  the  judg- 
ment of  Ralph  Goodenow,  rather  than  the  doctor's.  How- 
ever, shortly  after  Dr.  Ho  well's  remittance  reached  them, 
they  were  rejoicing  in  the  possession  of  twelve  thousand 
dollars'  worth  of  shares  in  the  "  Eureka."  We  will  leave 
them  for  a  few  weeks  to  the  enjoyment  of  such  pitiable  and 
paltry  pleasures  as  selfish  hearts  can  gain  in  the  pursuit  of 
fashionable  follies,  and  to  the  fanciful  castles  which  they 
built  upon  the  sands  of  anticipated  wealth,  and  turn  to  the 
chamber  where  Edna  Shrcve  is  carefully  attended  by  the 
doctor  and  Diantha. 

The  new  year  brought  to  the  doctor's  household  a 
stronger  hope  that  Edna  would  rally  than  had  previously 
brightened  the  cloud  which  hovered  over  her.  For  nine 
days  she  had  scarcely  recognized  one  of  her  anxious  at- 
tendants, but  in  her  unconscious  ravings  had  sometimes 
imagined  herself  in  Smyrna  —  sometimes  upon  the  sinking 
wreck  —  and  occasionally,  when  Diantha's  patient  hands 
were  employed  about  the  child,  she  fancied  herself  once 


72  DR.    HOWETX'S    FAMILY. 

more  in  her  mother's  arms.  But  on  the  morning  of  the 
ninth  day  after  her  removal  from  the  Bonsecour,  Mrs. 
Bartlette  reported  her  as  having  been  in  a  quiet  sleep  for 
several  hours.  The  doctor  found  her  pulse  feeble,  but  there 
were  a  moisture  upon  her  skin  and  a  quietness  in  her 
slumber,  as  well  as  a  steadiness  in  the  languid  movements 
of  her  blood,  that  greatly  encouraged  him. 

"  Her  symptoms  are  much  more  favorable  this  morning, 
Mrs.  Bartlette ;  leave  your  patient  now  with  Diantha  until 
you  are  called  —  you  are  needing  rest ; "  and,  turning  to 
Diantha,  the  doctor  continued  :  — 

"  If  Edna  doesn't  wake  within  an  hour,  you  must  rouse 
her  gently,  and  give  her  a  spoonful  of  gruel  and  a  few  drops 
from  this  phial.  The  most  judicious  and  watchful  care  will 
be  needed  for  a  few  days  to  prevent  her  from  sinking  with 
exhaustion ;  but  I  trust,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  we  shall 
bring  her  safely  through.  And  then  how  shall  I  reward 
my  Daisy  for  her  devotion  to  this  stranger  ?  " 

"  Dear  father,  you  cannot  think  I  want  any  reward  but 
your  approval  ?  " 

"No,  Daisy,  no;  excepting  the  commendation  of  One 
who  has  enjoined  us  to  '  entertain  strangers,  for  thereby 
some  have  entertained  angels  unawares.'  The  spirit  which 
is  cultivated  and  developed  by  deeds  of  charity  and  self- 
denial  is  always  a  good  angel  in  our  hearts,  even  if  the  re- 
cipients of  our  charities  prove  unworthy  and  ungrateful." 

When  Diantha  found  it  necessary  to  rouse  her  little 
patient,  she  sat  down  upon  the  couch,  and  raised  the  frail 
figure  in  her  arms,  singing  softly  meanwhile  a  soothing 
passage.  Few  voices  possessed,  both  in  singing  and  speak- 
ing, more  of  strength,  sweetness,  and  tender  pathos  than 
Diantha's. 

Edna's  dark  eyes  opened,  and  for  a  moment  gazed 
eagerly  at  the  singer;  then,  with  a  look  of  disappointment^ 


EDNA'S  CONVALESCENCE.  73 

she  turned,  sighing,  with  a  hopeless  voice,  "O,  I  thought 
it  was  mamma  singing.  I  must  have  been  dreaming." 

"Did  your  mamma  often  sing  to  you?" 

"  Yes,  and  your  voice  is  like  hers." 

"  I  am  glad  of  that,  because  it  will  give  you  more  pleas- 
ure. You  shall  hear  me  sing  as  often  as  you  wish." 

"  Where  am  I  ?  and  who  are  you  ? "  asked  the  child, 
looking  at  the  room  and  at  Diantha  with  wondering  yet 
conscious  eyes. 

"  You  are  in  Dr.  Howell's  home,  and  you  will  find  this 
a  charming  room  when  you  are  able  to  sit  up  and  look 
around.  Can't  you  guess  who  I  am  now  ?  " 

"  You  are  the  doctor's  daughter,  who  came  to  see  me  at 
the  hospital." 

"  Yes ;  I  see  you  have  not  forgotten  me.  I  shall  not 
permit  you  to  talk  much  to-day ;  but  after  you  have  taken 
some  of  this  gruel,  I  shall  sit  by  you,  and  sing  a  little  now 
and  then,  just  to  give  you  something  agreeable  to  think  of. 
You  musn't  have  a  care  nor  a  thought  about  yourself; 
but  remember  God  has  provided  friends  for  you,  and 
brought  you  to  this  quiet,  pleasant  room ;  and  now  we 
only  want  you  to  rest  and  get  strong." 

An  expression  of  trust  and  gratitude  crept  into  Edna's 
face,  and  a  few  tears  trickled  slowly  from  her  eyes ;  but 
they  seemed  to  Diantha  like  the  softening,  revivifying 
showers  of  early  spring,  instead  of  the  devastating  storms 
that  had  shaken  her  frail  form  ever  since  the  wreck. 

For  several  days  after  the  fever  left  her,  Edna  lay  in  a 
state  of  weakness  and  exhaustion,  which  scarcely  permitted 
her  to  speak ;  but  the  few  words  she  uttered  showed  that 
she  was  keenly  sensitive  to  all  the  kindness  that  sur- 
rounded  her,  and  deeply  grateful.  Her  wistful  eyes  fol- 
lowed every  movement  of  Diantha  during  these  days  of 
lassitude ;  and  though  she  submitted  to  Mrs.  Bartlette's 


74  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

attentions  with  gentle  patience,  yet  it  was  evident  the 
child's  heart  had  elected  Diantha  as  its  refuge,  and  poured 
upon  her  those  fountains  of  affection  which  had  been 
arrested  and  turned  back  to  their  source  by  the  desolating 
wreck  of  the  Stella. 

One  evening,. about  a  week  after  the  crisis  had  passed, 
and  when  Diantha  was  holding  the  little  girl  in  her  arms, 
that  she  might  see  a  beautiful  sunset,  she  asked,  ab- 
ruptly, — 

"What  is  to  be  done  with  me,  Miss  Howell,  when  I 
get  strong  ?  " 

Although  this  question  of  the  child  had  often  presented 
itself  to  Diantha?s  thoughts  since  love  for  the  clinging, 
helpless  orphan  had  crept  into  her  heart,  yet  she  was  quite 
unprepared  with  an  answer,  and  could  only  say,  "  There 
will  be  time  enough  to  think  of  that  when  you  are  strong. 
God  will  provide  a  home  for  you,  my  dear  child." 

"  O,  Miss  Howell,  do  you  think,  if  you  ask  Him,  He  will 
let  me  live  near  you  ?  " 

"  We  will  both  ask  Him  every  day  to  keep  us  in  a  home 
together,  or  very  near  each  other.  I  think  my  little  girl  is 
almost  as  dear  and  as  necessary  to  my  happiness  as  I  am 
to  hers." 

"  You  do  love  me  ? "  asked  the  child,  in  an  eager  tone 
and  with  pleading  eyes. 

For  answer  Diantha  only  drew  the  little  girl  more 
closely  against  her  heart,  and  kissed  the  quivering  lips 
and  questioning  eyes. 

"  You  must  not  allow  any  anxiety  about  your  future  to 
steal  into  your  brain  at  present.  Leave  everything  to  the 
good  God  who  has  said  that  '  not  even  a  sparrow  falleth 
to  the  ground  without  His  notice;"  and  a  human  soul  is 
of  more  value  to  Him  than  many  sparrows.  Do  you  feel 
strong  enough  to-night  to  tell  me  something  about  your 
life  before  I  found  you  ?  " 


EDNA'S  CONVALESCENCE.  75 

"  If  it  tires  me  to  talk  I  need  not  go  on  ;  and  I'd  like 
you  to  know  all  about  me."  Edna  paused  a  few  minutes, 
looking  wearily  out  upon  the  fading  sunset  clouds  and 
the  white  sails  in  Hanthrop  harbor,  as  if  collecting  her 
thoughts  ;  and  when  she  spoke  again,  it  was  in  a  low, 
quiet  voice,  that  expressed  stronger  and  more  delicate  sen- 
sibilities than  were  natural  to  her  years. 

"  It  must  have  been  five  or  six  years  ago  that  papa  was 
teaching  in  New  York,  and  grew  very  pale  and  weak,  and 
the  doctor  said  a  sea  voyage  and  a  warm  climate  might 
do  him  good.  We  went  in  the  Silver  Swan  —  a  sailing 
packet  —  to  Smyrna,  because  papa  knew  the  captain,  and 
he  let  us  go  for  less  money  than  other  captains  asked. 
When  we  got  there,  papa  hired  two  rooms  in  a  porter's 
lodge,  quite  a  long  way  out  of  the  city  ;  and  we  had  plenty 
of  grapes,  oranges,  and  figs  ;  and  such  a  pretty  view  of  the 
domes,  mosques,  and  minarets  of  the  city  !  and  lovelier 
than  all  was  our  view  of  the  harbor.  Then  papa  grew 
better,  and  he  used  to  walk  away  clown  to  the  city,  and 
teach  a  few  English  children ;  and  papa  taught  me,  and 
we  all  learned  to  speak  French.  I  think  I  can  speak  it 
quite  as  well  as  I  can  English,"  added  the  little  girl,  with 
a  slight  touch  of  pride  in  her  tones,  as  if  her  accomplish- 
ments reflected  honor  on  the  dear  parents  whom  her  new 
friend  could  never  know. 

She  leaned  silently  for  a  few  minutes  against  Diantha's 
supporting  arm,  with  such  grief  and  loneliness  depicted  on 
her  pale  lace,  and  with  tears  dropping  slowly  from  eyes 
which  seemed  to  look  yearningly  back  into  the  past,  that, 
for  a  moment,  Diantha  regretted  having  encouraged  her 
to  speak  of  herself.  But  she  wisely  inferred  that  Edna,  in 
recalling  the  past,  would  be  more  than  compensated  by 
the  feeling  that  a  living  friend  knew  enough  of  her  buried 
joys  to  sympathize  with  her  present  sorrows.  And  in  a 


76  DR.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

broken,  tremulous  voice,  the  child  took  up  the  thread  of 
her  narrative. 

"I  think  we  were  very  happy  for  two  or  three  years, 
though  we  knew  very  few  people,  and  had  but  little 
money.  Then  mamma  got  sick,  and  a  little  baby  came 
that  was  always  crying,  and  that  worried  both  papa  and 
mamma.  We  called  the  baby  Paul :  but  he  only  lived  a 
few  weeks,  and  we  buried  him  in  a  shady  corner  of  the 
English  cemetery.  Soon  after  baby  died,  my  sister  Nora, 
a  dear  little  girl  with  blue  eyes,  and  short  brown  curls, 
and  the  sweetest  voice,  grew  sick  and  died ;  and  she  was 
laid  away  under  a  cypress  tree  by  the  side  of  the  baby. 
Papa  was  never  strong  enough  to  teach  after  Nora  was 
taken ;  and  when  our  money  was  all  gone,  and  we  had 
sold  everything  to  the  Jews  that  they  would  pay  money 
for,  we  went  to  the  English  hospital.  They  were  very 
kind  to  papa  there ;  but  he  died  very  soon  after.  I  think 
he  grieved  so  much  for  Nora  that  he  could  not  live  with- 
out her,  though  he  was  very,  very  sad  to  leave  mamma, 
and  Nathan,  and  me." 

Edna's  tears  flowed  silently,  and  her  quivering  voice 
forbade  speech  for  several  minutes;  and  when  she  spoke 
again,  it  was  only  to  tell  of  their  daily  walk  to  the  wharves  for 
weeks,  in  search  of  an  American  captain  who  would  be  will- 
ing to  give  them  a  passage  to  their  native  land,  and  trust 
to  the  charity  of  some  friends,  whom  Mrs.  Shreve  was 
hoping  to  find,  to  pay  him.  She  finished  her  recital  by 
saying,  — 

"  I  shall  never  forget  the  day  we  found  Captain  Ashmead, 
nor  his  kindness  to  mamma  and  Nathan ;  and  I  should  like 
to  show  him  how  much  I  love  him,  and  how  grateful  I  am. 
Is  he  still  in  the  hospital?" 

"  Yes,  one  of  his  feet  was  so  badly  frozen  in  that  terri- 
ble storm,  that  Dr.  Howell  was  obliged  to  take  it  off;  and 


EDNA'S  CONVALESCENCE.  77 

it  will  be  several  weeks  before  he  can  walk  about,  even 
with  a  crutch." 

"  O,  I'm  so  sorry !  Please  ask  Dr.  Howell  to  tell  him 
how  grieved  I  am.  Is  there  any  one  to  talk  with  him,  and 
amuse  him  at  the  hospital  ?  " 

"Father  visits  him  every  day;  and  there  are  the  nurses, 
and  Mr.  Moore,  the  assistant  surgeon,  is  agreeable.  I  dare 
say  they  all  try  to  amuse  him.  Then,  you  know  I  go  in 
two  or  three  times  a  week,  and  write  letters  for  jiim,  and 
sometimes  read." 

"  Do  you  think,  when  I  am  able  to  ride,  Dr.  Howell  will 
take  me  to  see  him?" 

"  I  can  promise  you  he  will,  and  leave  you  there  for  an 
hour  every  day  to  entertain  your  friend.  I've  no  doubt 
you'll  do  the  captain  a  vast  amount  of  good,  and  you  must 
let  that  hope  encourage  you  to  get  strong." 

"  May  I  ask,  Miss  Howell,  where  I  shall  get  a  gown,  and 
a  cloak,  and  a  hood  to  wear  when  I  am  strong  enough  to 
ride  ?  " 

"  Mrs.  Bartlette  and  I  have  been  planning  and  working 
for  you,  and  we  know  just  where  a  neat,  comfortable  little 
wardrobe  is  coming  from." 

A  soft  tinge  of  color  flushed  and  paled  on  Edna's  cheeks, 
and  her  delicate  lips  trembled  with  emotion ;  but  she  only 
said, — 

"  Dear  Miss  Howell,  I  shall  try  to  get  well,  so  that  I 
may  show  how  much  I  love  you." 

"  Indeed,  you  must  try  to  get  well  for  a  great  many  bet- 
ter and  wiser  reasons  than  that.  Now  I  shall  forbid  your 
talking  any  more  this  evening,  and  I  shall  leave  you  with 
Mrs.  Bartlette  while  I  go  down  to  welcome  your  friend 
the  doctor." 


78  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER    IX. 

CAPTAIN     ASHMEAD. 

"  But  I  ask 

What  He  would  have  this  evil  do  for  me. 
What  is  its  mission  ?    What  its  ministry  ? 
What  golden  fruit  lies  hidden  in  its  husk  ?  " 

"I  HAVE  pleasant  news  for  you,  Captain  Ashmead," 
said  Diantha,  one  January  day,  when  she  came  into  the 
captain's  room  almost  as  noiselessly  as  the  snow  that  was 
slowly  sifting  from  the  heart  of  the  gray  clouds ;  and. 
though  her  presence  brought  that  sense  of  purity,  pence, 
and  rest  which  belongs  to  a  quiet  fall  of  snow,  it  brought 
a  sunny  cheerfulness  also,  more  in  harmony  with  the  ver- 
dure and  warmth  of  summer. 

"Your  face  is  the  herald  of  good  tidings,  Miss  Howell, 
and  you've  brought  them  to  a  willing  ear ;  I  am  as  tired 
of  my  own  thoughts  and  fancies  to-day,  and  as  hungry  for 
the  sound  of  a  pleasant  human  voice,  as  a  man  can  be." 

"  If  that  is  your  mood,  my  news  will  be  particularly 
agreeable  to  you,  as  it  promises  a  bright  little  visitor  tor 
you  on  the  first  pleasant  day.  Edna  Shreve  has  been 
gaining  so  rapidly  for  the  past  week,  that  father  has  prom- 
ised to  bring  her  here  to  spend  an  hour  with  you  every 
day,  so  long  as  you  need  her." 

"  Ay,  that  is  pleasant  news,  indeed ;  she  will  be  a  wel- 
come guest,  and  I  hope  will  do  roe  good.  I  have  been 
wondering  all  the  morning  what  is  to  become  of  the  poor 
child.  The  letter  you  wrote  to  her  mother's  cousin  in 


CAPTAIN   ASHMEAD.  79 

Libnah,  Conn.,  has  been  returned  with  a  note  from  the 
postmaster,  saying  the  family  had  removed  to  California, 
and  their  address  was  unknown  to  him.  I  could  have 
provided  a  home  for  her  in  a  boarding-school,  but  my 
small  fortune  was  nearly  all  swallowed  up  in  the  wreck  of 
the  Stella,  and  I  reckon  for  some  months  my  wits  will  be 
sorely  puzzled  for  means  to  keep  this  poor  maimed  body 
afloat ;  and  then  I  have  an  aged  mother  dependent  on  me. 
Have  you  thought  what  provision  can  be  made  for  Edna's 
future,  in  case  her  relatives  cannot  be  found  ?" 

"  I  have  thought  a  great  deal  about  it,  and  talked  it 
over  with  father,  but  he  invariably  says, '  Wait  and  trust ; ' 
and  deep  and  tender  as  my  interest  is  in  this  helpless 
orphan,  I  remember  there  is  One  whose  ear  is  ever  open  to 
the  cries  of  the  needy;  I  can  leave  her  with  Him." 

"  You  are  certainly  to  be  envied  for  such  unbounded 
faith  in  God's  providence.  I  would  give  a  fortune,  if  I 
had  one,  to  possess  your  unquestioning  trust ;  but  doubts 
and  questions  are  constantly  harrowing  my  thoughts. 
However,  I'll  try  to  be  manly  enough  not  to  entertain  you 
with  my  blue  devils.  You  haven't  congratulated  me  yet, 
Mis^  Howell,  on  the  advance  I  have  made  towards  crutches 
since  you  were  here." 

Diantha's  quick  ear  caught  the  bitterness,  the  want  of 
submission,  in  the  captain's  tone,  when  he  alluded  to  his 
lameness.  She  had  known  Captain  Ashmead  scarcely  a 
month  ;  but  his  weakness  and  his  dependence  had  neces- 
sarily brought  him  into  more  intimate  relations  with  her 
father  and  herself  than  the  ordinary  incidents  and  acci- 
dents of  every-day  life  could  have  done,  and  she  had 
learned  to  detect  his  moods  and  tempers  in  the  tones  of 
his  voice,  and  in  the  expression  of  his  eyes,  with  a  readi- 
ness which  she  could  hardly  have  explained  to  another's 
satisfaction. 


80  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"I  am  not  too  late  to  offer  congratulations  now.  I  ex- 
pected to  see  you  sitting  up,  as  father  told  me  you  were 
in  a  chair  for  a  half  hour  yesterday.  He  says  you  are 
doing  him  great  credit  as  a  patient." 

"  Yes,  ray  poor  limb  is  healing  rapidly,  and  I  am  gaining 
strength ;  but  I  am  not  as  cheerful  and  grateful  as  a  man 
ought  to  be  under  such  circumstances." 

Diantha  did  not  ask  the  reasons  for  his  despondent 
temper,  but  quietly  moved  to  a  small  table  near  the  win- 
dow, and  arranged  the  writing  materials  upon  it  ready  for 
work. 

"If  you  have  letters  to  write  this  morning,  Captain 
Ash  mead,  I  can  give  you  a  half  hour  of  my  time.  Father 
will  call  for  me  before  twelve." 

"  Thank  you ;  I  would  like  a  few  lines  written  to  my 
dear  old  mother,  who  still  fancies  me  helpless,  suffering,  and 
neglected  in  every  conceivable  way.  I  received  a  letter 
from  her  yesterday,  and  one  from  my  only  sister,  who  says 
nothing  would  prevent  her  from  coming  to  nurse  me  but 
her  own  invalid  state  and  the  care  of  three  young  chil- 
dren —  all  babies,  of  course,  for  she  hasn't  been  married 
five  years." 

Diantha,  with  paper  before  her  and  a  pen  in  her  fair 
hand,  sat  waiting  for  dictation. 

"  Well,  tell  my  mother,  please,  in  your  own  way,  all  Dr. 
Howell  says  of  my  physical  condition ;  tell  her,  as  soon  as 
I  can  hobble  on  crutches  I  shall  come  to  the  old  home- 
stead for  repairs,  and  I  shall  be  in  a  precious  mood  for  all 
sorts  of  petting  and  coddling."  There  was  a  pause  while 
Diantha's  pen  travelled  down  the  page;  and  when,  in  her 
own  language,  she  had  reported  the  captain's  progress 
towards  crutches,  she  raised  her  eyes,  asking,  "  What 
more?" 

"Tell  sister  Elinor  there'll  be  just  enough  manhood  left 


CAPTAIN   ASHMEAD.  81 

in  me  to  make  toys  for  her  babies,  and  they'll  find  my 
crutches  an  inexhaustible  source  of  amusement." 

"  Captain  Ashmead,  pardon  me  for  saying  you  are  very 
distrustful  to-day,  and  ungrateful  too.  I'm  not  willing  to 
send  your  mother  and  sister  a  letter  tinged  with  your 
present  depression,  and  conveying  to  them  a  picture  of 
your  ungracious  temper." 

Diantha's  courageous  eyes  met  the  captain's  equally 
clear,  honest  ones  as  she  spoke ;  he  saw  in  their  brown 
depths  rebuke ;  and  he  saw  more  —  sorrow  and  disap- 
pointment. The  rebuke  he  could  have  accepted  bravely, 
but  not  the  consciousness  that  his  friend  was  disap- 
pointed in  him ;  and  he  burst  forth,  with  an  impetuous 
earnestness : — 

"Tell  me,  Miss  Ho  well,  how  to  conquer  this  rebellious 
spirit;  how  to  recognize  God's  mercy  and  loving-kindness 
in  a  disaster  which  has  crippled"  me  for  life;  how  to  thank 
Him  for  permitting  the  sea  to  swallow  all  the  hard-earned 
savings  of  the  last  twelve  years,  and  how  to  be  grateful 
that  my  plans  for  the  future  were  all  swept  as  mercilessly 
from  my  grasp  as  were  the  poor  broken  masts  and  planks 
of  the  Stella." 

Captain  Ashmead,  in  his  earnestness,  had  not  heard  the 
creaking  of  the  door,  nor  the  light,  quick  footstep  of  Dr. 
Howell,  who  had  entered,  and  now  stood  behind  his 
patient's  chair ;  but  Diantha  had  seen  him,  and  given  him 
a  look  and  smile  of  such  glad  and  grateful  welcome,  that 
he  knew  she  wished  him  to  answer  the  captain's  ques- 
tions. 

"My  good  friend,"  said  the  doctor,  seating  himself  by 
the  captain's  side,  "  your  questions  seem  to  imply  a  doubt 
of  the  excellency  of  God's  wisdom  in  creating  the  earth 
and  sea  subject  to  just  such  natural  laws  as  produce 
storms.  You  cannot  doubt  that  wind,  snow,  and  rain  are 
6 


82  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

ministers  of  God's  mercy  and  forethought  for  the  general 
good  of  those  whom  He  has  created  ?  You  could  hardly 
expect  that  these  natural  laws  should  be  turned  from  their 
legitimate  purpose,  or  that,  in  effect,  a  miracle  should  be 
wrought  to  save  one  vessel  from  wreck  ?  You  forget  that 
God's  infinite  wisdom  and  love  have  inspired  the  inventors 
of  such  means  for  the  protection  of  commerce  and  travel 
upon  the  ocean  as  the  barometer,  sextant,  compass,  steam, 
and  naval  architecture.  You  seem  also  to  have  lost  sight 
of  the  fact  that  while  it  was  not  in  harmony  with  God's 
purposes  to  work  a  miracle  for  the  saving  of  the  Stella, 
yet  your  own  life,  by  the  timely  floating  in  of  that  field  of 
ice,  was  almost  miraculously  saved." 

"Thank  you,  Dr.  Howell,  for  your  rebuke  and  your  plain 
talk ;  both  have  thrown  some  light  upon  things  which  my 
rebellious  spirit  has  wilfully  kept  under  the  shadow  of 
doubt.  If  the  questions  of  my  longing,  hungry  soul  could 
be  satisfactorily  answered,  I  believe  I  might  yet  praise  God 
for  His  wonderful  works.  But  tell  me  now  what  purpose 
God  can  have  in  thwarting  all  my  plans,  and  in  maiming 
this  body,  of  whose  strength  I  was  justly  proud." 

"I  don't  know  enough  of  your  past  life  to  say  what  God's 
purpose  may  be  in  arresting  its  current ;  but  that  His  acts 
are  always  excellent,  wise,  and  plenteous  in  mercy,  I 
doubt  not.  Have  you  not  hitherto  lived  for  self-aggrandize- 
ment alone?  Have  you  ever  conscientiously  sought  to 
know  what  use  God  would  have  you  make  of  the  powers 
He  has  given  you  ?  A  beautiful  stream  of  water,  flowing 
proudly  in  its  own  natural  courses,  may  be  comparatively 
useless,  until  the  hand  of  man  arrests  it  and  turns  it  into 
new  channels,  that  it  may  minister  to  the  needs  of  com- 
merce and  manufactures ;  and  so  with  the  plans  and 
pursuits  of  your  life  :  they  may  appear,  to  your  selfish 


CAPTAIN    ASHMEAD.  83 

and  finite  vision,  worthy  and  sufficient,  until  God's  prov- 
idence hedges  in  the  old  paths  of  your  natural  inclinations, 
and  opens  new  ones  of  greater  usefulness  to  your  fellow- 
beings,  and  which  shall  more  truly  develop  your  mental 
and  spiritual  resources.  You  admit  that  you  were  proud 
of  your  physical  strength;  and  has  not  God  shown  you  the 
foolishness  of  glorying  in  that  which  even  a  breath  of  His 
wind  may  waft  from  you  ?  " 

"Dr.  Howell,  since  I  have  seen  so  much  of  the  power, 
peace,  and  rest  of  a  Christian's  faith  exemplified  in  you  and 
your  daughter,  I  have  longed  to  possess  it.  I  can  say, 
'  Lord,  I  believe ; '  but  I  am  not  submissive  to  His  decrees, 
and  not  satisfied  that  He  permits  so  much  evil  to  exist." 

"  Have  you  never  thought  that  what  bears  to  us  the 
semblance  of  evil  may  be  only  God's  minister  of  good  — 
the  outward  husk  which  conceals  golden  corn?  If  the 
earth's  best  fruits  grew  spontaneously,  and  there  were  no 
weeds,  no  thorns  nor  brambles,  no  hard,  stony  soil  to  be 
broken,  no  accidents  nor  disasters  on  sea  or  land,  in  fine, 
no  digging,  delving,  pruning  or  grafting,  no  hard  research, 
study  nor  toil  to  obtain  knowledge,  Avisdom,  and  riches, 
where  should  we  find  courage,  patience,  heroism,  and 
energy  ?  If  sin  did  not  rise  in  our  very  paths,  clothed  in 
the  most  tempting  garb,  where  should  we  find  the  strong 
virtue  born  of  resistance  ?  We  may  regret  the  necessity 
for  pruning  the  branches  of  a  flourishing  apple  tree,  until 
we  have  tasted  the  richer,  sweeter  flavor  of  the  ingrafted 
fruit.  We  may  mourn  the  fall  of  a  sturdy  oak  until  we  see 
the  ship  which  has  been  fashioned  from  its  bole ;  and  so, 
captain,  I  might  deplore  the  maiming  of  your  strong  body, 
did  I  not  feel  confident  that  our  all-wise  Father  will  use 
this  apparent  evil  as  a  minister  of  good  to  your  soul ;  and 
I  pray  that  from  the  ashes  of  your  buried  hopes  and  plans 
there  may  arise  a  new  life,  which  shall  bear  '  the  peaceable 


84  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

fruits  of  righteousness.'  You  must  be  content  to  see  some 
things  '  as  through  a  glass,  darkly ; '  for  if  all  God's  pur- 
poses and  the  reasons  for  all  His  discipline  and  chastening 
were  written  out  iii  characters  that  we  could  not  mistake, 
there  would  be  no  such  element  of  character  as  faith  ;  its 
ennobling  influence  on  our  lives  would  be  lost;  we  should 
be  more  like  machines  than  free,  intelligent,  moral  agents. 
And  now,  my  good  friend,  I  must  entreat  you  to  trust 
yourself,  without  doubt,  question,  or  parley,  to  the  infinite 
mercy  and  compassionate  love  of  our  blessed  Christ,  rely- 
ing with  child-like  trust  on  the  atonement  He  lias  made. 
I  have  no  more  time  for  sermonizing  this  morning,"  added 
the  doctor,  glancing  at  his  watch;  then  turning  to  his 
daughter,  he  said,  — 

"  Daisy,  I  have  still  a  half  hour's  work  to  do  in  the 
hospital,  and  meantime  I  have  made  a  promise  for  you 
without  consulting  your  wishes  or  convenience." 

Diantha  rose  at  once  from  her  seat  by  the  writing-table, 
saying,  — 

"  I  am  sure  you  have  promised  nothing  that  I  cannot  at 
least  try  to  perform." 

"  Then  go  into  the  reception  parlor,  where  you  will  find 
several  poor  patients  waiting,  and  sing  to  them  until  I  call 
for  you.  Some  of  them  caught  snatches  of  the  tunes  you 
sang  to  Edna  before  she  was  removed,  and  they  have  peti- 
tioned you,  through  me,  to  grant  them  the  privilege  of 
hearing  you  again." 

There  were  hesitation  and  unwillingness  expressed  in 
Diantha's  burning  cheeks  and  drooping  eyes ;  but  after  a 
moment's  pause  she  raised  them  to  her  father's  face  with  a 
smile  of  compliance  glimmering  through  tears,  and  only 
said,  — 

"  I  hope  my  listeners  will  not  be  critical  nor  exacting ; 


CAPTAIN    ASHMEAD.  85 

they  should  know  'tis  not  easy  to  sing  when  the  act  is  not 
voluntary." 

"I  will  promise  you  one  generous  and  grateful  listener 
if  you  will  permit  my  door  to  remain  open  while  you 
sing,"  said  Captain  Ashmead,  reaching  out  his  hand  as  if 
he  would  detain  her  until  she  had  promised. 

"You  must  ask  father's  permission  ;  I  am  only  his  hand- 
organ  this  morning;"  but  the  smile  which  accompanied  the 
words  told  of  a  spirit  willing  to  confer  pleasure,  even  when 
the  means  required  a  sacrifice  of  personal  taste  and  inclina- 
tion. She  walked  into  the  reception  parlor,  which  ad- 
joined Captain  Ashtnead's  room,  and  after  making  kind 
inquiries  regarding  the  welfare  of  the  patients  gathered 
there,  and  giving  them  all  encouraging  looks  and  words, 
she  seated  herself  at  the  piano,  and  played  a  few  soft, 
minor  strains  of  music,  until  her  own  soul  was  in  harmony 
with  the  sublime  passage  from  Handel's  Messiah,  "  Come 
unto  Me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will 
give  you  rest."  Her  rich,  strong,  yet  tenderly  pathetic 
voice  gave  a  new  meaning  and  a  more  sweetly  persuasive 
beauty  to  the  inspired  words  than  Captain  Ashmead  had 
recognized  in  them  before.  Her  voice  carried  conviction 
to  his  heart  that  she  had  abundant  knowledge  of  the 
"rest"  promised  to  those  who  seek  Christ;  that  her  hope 
and  faith  were  like  anchors  to  her  soul ;  it  also  expressed 
the  purity,  strength,  and  tenderness  of  her  nature  as  clear- 
ly as  the  face  mirrors  the  character  of  the  heart. 

For  many  hours  after  Diantha  had  ceased  to  sing,  the 
words  of  the  invitation,  and  the  promise  echoed  in  the 
captain's  heart,  wrestled  there  with  the  doubtingf  question- 
ing spirit,  until,  meekly  submissive,  he  had  accepted  our 
Saviour's  invitation,  and  had  found  "  His  yoke  easy  and  His 
burden  light."  -r 

And    when   Dr.    Howell    made   his  next   call   he   waa 


86  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

greeted  with  the  calm,  confident,  grateful  assurance  of  a 
soul  that  has  struggled  with  sin  and  conquered  it ;  that 
has  come  up  from  the  dark  shadows  of  doubt  into  the 
eternal  warmth  and  sunshine  of  God's  love,  pleading  no 
merit,  no  works,  no  offering  of  his  own,  but  relying  upon 
the  sacrificial  offering  of  Him  who  graciously  supplieth 
our  needs. 


EDNA'S  RELATIVES.  87 


CHAPTER  X. 

EDNA'S    RELATIVES. 

"  Where'er  her  troubled  path  may  be, 

The  Lwd's  sweet  pity  with  her  go ! 
The  outward,  wayward  life  we  see; 
The  hidden  springs  we  may  not  know." 

"FATHER,  did  Captain  Ashmead  tell  you  we  have  no 
prospect  yet  of  finding  Edna's  relatives?  The  letter  ad- 
dressed to  Cyrus  P.  Atwood  has  been  returned  by  the 
postmaster  of  Libnah,  who  says  the  family  have  removed 
from  there,  and  their  address  is  unknown.  What  is  to  be 
done  with  Edna?" 

"We  might  send  her  to  the  Orphans'  Home,  or  to  the 
poorhouse,"  suggested  the  doctor;  "but  I  think  we  had 
better  '  trust  and  wait '  a  little  longer." 

Mrs.  Bartlette  rose  suddenly  from  her  seat  at  the  din- 
ner-table, murmuring  something  about  having  forgotten 
Edna's  tea. 

Both  the  doctor  and  Diantha  noticed  the  quick  rush  of 
color  to  her  face,  and  the  pallor  that  succeeded,  as  well  as 
the  nervous  excitement  revealing  itself  in  her  voice  and 
movements,  and  each  looked  to  the  other  for  explanation. 

"  Father,  I  have  seen  Mrs.  Bartlette  excited  in  a  similar 
manner,  and  almost  overcome  with  emotion,  two  or  three 
times  before :  there  is  a  mysteiy  about  her ;  and  you  re- 
member what  one  of  our  favorite  authors  says :  — 

'  Dark  mystery  hangs  round  nothing  pure 
Save  God  alone.' 


88  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

Yet  Mrs.  Bartlette  seems  as  true,  and  gentle,  and  patient 
as  a  woman  need  be,  and  I'm  not  willing  to  believe  sin  lurks 
behind  such  a  face  as  hers." 

"Do  you  remember  what  appeared  to  disturb  her  on 
the  occasions  yotj,  have  alluded  to  ?  " 

"  She  certainly  started  and  turned  pale  when  she  first 
saw  Edna  at  the  Bonsecour;  and  once,  when  she  was  sit- 
ting with  me  sewing,  and  listening  to  Edna's  account  of 
the  storm,  and  her  mother's  last  singing,  Mrs.  Bartlette 
rose  abruptly,  saying  she  was  subject  to  faintness,  and  left 
the  room. 

"  Daisy,  I  think  I  have  the  key  to  Mrs.  Bartlette's  emo- 
tion, and  to  her  secret.  She  has  told  me  that  Bartlette  is 
an  assumed  name,  and  I  have  an  impression,  amounting 
almost  to  conviction,  that  her  real  name  is  At\vood,  and 
that  she  is  the  cousin  whom  Edna's  mother  hoped  to  find. 
I  have  noticed  her  deep  interest  in  her  patient,  and  her 
evident  emotion  when  plans  for  the  child's  future  have 
been  discussed,  and  her  confusion  when  your  letter  to  the 
Atwood  family  was  mentioned." 

"But  I  cannot  understand,  father,"  Diantha  exclaimed, 
"why  a  woman  who  seems  so  honest  and  amiable  should 
wish  to  conceal  her  real  name,  or  her  relationship  to  Edna." 

"  I  have  the  key  which  would  probably  unlock  that  mys- 
tery, too.  You  may  have  heard  me  mention  a  young  convict 
in  our  State  Prison  by  the  name  of  Lewis.  He  is  Mrs.  Bart- 
lette's son.  I  have  not  told  you  be-fore  because  of  her  ex- 
ceeding sensitiveness,  and  because  I  knew  if  your  mother 
should  become  aware  of  the  fact,  she  would  have  an  uncon- 
trollable aversion  to  receiving  a  woman  so  connected  into 
our  family.  I  first  met  Mrs.  Bartlette  last  November,  in  the 
warden's  office,  where  she  had  ha'd  an  interview  with  her 
son,  and  was  just  bidding  him  good  by  when  I  entered. 
She  was  so  overcome  with  grief  at  that  time  as  to  faint,  and 


EDNA'S  RELATIVES.  89 

I  remained  to  apply  proper  remedies  for  her  restoration.  I 
was  interested  in  her  face  and  bearing ;  there  is  an  air  of 
refinement  about  her  much  above  the  average.  Her  son 
Lewis  has  fine,  regular  features,  and  an  intelligent  face, 
which  does  not  wear  the  impress  of  a  soul  deeply  stained 
with  guilt,  though  he  usually  looks  sullen,  aimless,  hope- 
less, and  defiant.  When  Mrs.  Bartlette  had  recovered 
from  her  faintness,  I  asked  how  I  could  serve  her. 

" '  If  you  could  only  teach  my  poor  boy  how  to  bear  the 
burden  of  his  guilt,  disgrace,  and  punishment,'  she  answered, 
*  and  persuade  the  prison  officers  to  change  his  work  for 
something  more  agreeable,  —  if  you  could  in  some  way 
make  his  condition  less  aggravating  and  humiliating,  — 
you  would  confer  the  greatest  favor  upon  both  of  us.' 

"  I  promised  to  do  what  I  could  for  the  young  man,  but 
again  reminded  her  of  her  weakness,  and  her  present  need 
of  help,  and  of  my  willingness  to  serve  her. 

"  She  hesitated,  with  a  truly  lady-like  delicacy,  and  then 
frankly  confessed  she  had  spent  nearly  every  dollar  of  her 
money  in  paying  a  lawyer  to  defend  her  son  at  his  trial, 
and  in  following  him  here ;  and  now  she  was  among 
strangers,  without  the  means  of  support. 

"  She  seemed  to  have  little  thought  for  herself,  and  only 
desired  to  be  near  her  son,  that  she  might  see  him  as  often 
as  the  prison  rules  would  permit. 

"'I  can  sew,  or  teach,  or  take  care  of  young  children,  or 
nurse  the  sick,  or  do  any  honest  work  which  shall  procure 
me  bread  and  shelter  so  near  to  Lewis  that  I  may  see  him 
often,  and  help  make  his  long  confinement  endurable,'  she 
added,  with  tears  of  such  genuine  emotion  that  I  asked  no 
other  voucher  for  her  honesty.  I  took  her  to  a  respectable 
boarding-house,  and  paid  for  a  week's  board  in  advance, 
and  then  secured  Miss  Wheeler's  interest  in  her. 

"  She  has  told  me,  from  time  to  time,  much  about  her 


90  DB.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

past  life,  which,  ever  since  her  early  marriage,  has  been  a 
succession  of  bitter  trials  and  disappointments ;  she  seems 
to  have  endured  them  with  remarkable  patience  and  her- 
oism. 

"  The  early  years  of  her  married  life  were  spent  in  Lib- 
nah,  but  for  several  years  she  followed  her  husband  from 
city  to  city;  she  speaks  reluctantly  of  him,  but  I  have 
learned  he  was  a  speculator,  a  spendthrift,  a  gambler,  and 
a  drunkard.  I  infer,  if  she  is  Edna's  cousin,  as  I  suspect, 
her  natural  delicacy  and  refinement  prevent  her  from  ac- 
knowledging the  relationship,  as  in  her  present  poverty  — 
and  disgraced  by  a  convict  son  and  husband  —  she  could 
in  no  way  benefit  the  child,  and  might  prove  a  serious 
hinderance. 

"  I  am  ready  to  exclaim,  with  one  of  Shakespeare's  char- 
acters, — 

'  O,  how  full  of  briers 
Is  this  working-day  world ! ' 

"  I  have  suspected  Mrs.  Bartlette  was  familiar  with  sor- 
row, but  I  did  not  think  she  earned  about  a  heart  so  full 
of  real,  living  grief  and  trouble.  What  brought  her  son 
to  the  State  Prison  ?  " 

"  I  haven't  time  to  tell  you  his  sad  story  this  evening. 
I  must  be  off  to  see  poor  Mr.  Jenks  as  soon  as  I've  swal- 
lowed my  coffee ;  he  is  suffering  veiy  acutely  to-day.  But, 
Daisy,  I  think  it  would  be  well  for  you  to  tell  Mrs.  Bart- 
lette that  you  know  her  son  is  imprisoned  here,  and  draw 
from  her  delicately  the  history  of  her  grief.  She  will  be 
stronger  and  happier  for  your  sympathy,  especially  if  you 
can  persuade  her  to  throw  off  all  disguises,  and  tell  you 
what  she  knows  of  Edna." 

When  the  doctor  left  his  daughter  in  quiet  possession  of 
the  parlor,  she  seated  herself  at  the  piano  for  her  usual 


EDNA'S  RELATIVES.  91 

after-dinner  practice ;  and  though  she  was  always  consci- 
entiously diligent  in  whatever  claimed  her  attention,  —  no 
matter  whether  it  was  study,  or  practice,  or  work  for  oth- 
ers, —  on  this  particular  evening  she  found  it  impossible  to 
thrust  from  her  thoughts  the  sorrowful  picture  her  father 
had  given  her  glimpses  of,  and  to  concentrate  them  on 
the  grand  old  musical  composition  she  was  attempting  to 
learn.  It  must  be  confessed  that  an  anxious  desire  for 
Captain  Ashmead's  deliverance  from  the  shackles  of  doubt 
somewhat  shadowed  her  sunny  temper,  and  ruffled  the  flow 
of  those  musical  chords  which  usually  dripped  from  her 
fingers  with  a  smooth,  sweet,  and  pathetic  rhythm,  quite  as 
pleasure-giving  as  her  sister's  more  brilliant  performances. 

Suddenly,  in  turning  the  pages  of  her  music-book,  her 
eyes  were  arrested  by  these  words  of  a  favorite  anthem : 
"  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my  soul  ?  and  why  art  thou 
disquieted  within  me  ?  Hope  thou  in  God,  for  I  shall  yet 
praise  Him  who  is  the  health  of  my  countenance  and  my 
God." 

"  Why  am  I  cast  down  and  disquieted,"  murmured  Di- 
antha,  "  when  God  has  promised  that  the  souls  of  those 
who  trust  in  Him  shall  not  be  left  desolate,  and  when  I 
have  so  often  found  fulness  of  joy  in  trusting  Him?  Can  I 
not  leave  the  cause  of  the  orphan,  the  stranger,  and  the 
oppressed  with  One  who  delighteth  in  the  exercise  of 
mercy  and  loving-kindness?" 

Casting  her  burden  of  anxious  thought  from  her,  Dian- 
tha's  musical  practice  became  a  song  of  triumph.  If  for 
an  hour  her  soul  had  been  submerged  in  bitterness,  she  had 
tasted  the  fruit  of  that  tree  which  in  the  days  of  Moses 
and  Miriam  made  sweet  the  waters  of  Marah,  and  rising 
from  the  piano,  she  carried  with  her  to  Edna's  room  that 
strength  which  is  born  of  weakness,  and  which 

"Gates  of  brass  cannot  withstand," 


92  DR.  HOAVELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  I  have  brought  my  book  and  my  sewing,  and  am 
likely  to  have  an  uninterrupted  evening  in  this  pleasant 
room,  thanks  to  the  beautiful  snow  and  its  hushing  white 
drifts.  Only  those  will  go  abroad  to-night  who  are  com- 
pelled by  duty  or  necessity.  God  pity  those  who  have  no 
shelter  from  this  storm  ! "  said  Diantha,  sitting  down  upon 
Edna's  couch,  and  pressing  an  arm  fondly  and  protectingly 
around  her  young  charge. 

"  I'm  afraid  my  little  girl  has  been  sitting  up  longer  than 
she  ought  to-day,  and  puzzling  her  brain  again  with  ques- 
tions which  the  birds  are  too  wise  to  ask,  because  they 
know  who  feeds  them  and  provides  the  sheltering  pines 
and  hemlocks  for  their  homes.  I  am  going  to  recite  a  little 
poem  to  you  now,  which  will  give  you  something  to  think 
of  besides  yourself;  and  perhaps  it  will  give  Mrs.  Bartlette 
pleasant  food  for  thought." 

Diantha's  finely-modulated  voice  had  in  reading  the 
same  sweetness  and  pathos  as  in  singing.  She  read  with 
a  delicate  appreciation  of  the  author's  sentiment,  and  with 
the  added  charm  of  self-forgetfulness,  her  only  apparent 
desire  being  to  give  true  expression  to  the  subject  and 
pleasure  to  her  listeners.  She  chose  Lowell's  charming 
and  pathetic  little  poem,  "The  First  Snow-fall,"  and 
recited  it  with  such  effect  that  Edna's  moist  eyes  and  Mrs. 
Bartlette's  forgotten  work  gave  grateful  testimony  of  their 
appreciation. 

And  for  the  next  hour  Diantha  sang  and  read  with  as 
much  sweetness  and  patience  as  if  she  had  the  ears  of  a 
large  and  educated  audience  to  please,  and  upon  their 
pleasure  depended  her  daily  bread ;  sang  and  read  until 
sleep  wrapped  its  mantle  of  rest  around  Edna.  Then  for  a 
few  minutes  she  sat  beside  the  sleeper,  stitching  in  silence, 
until  Mrs.  Bartlelte  asked,  abruptly,  — 

"  Have  you  ever  known  a  sorrow  or  a  disappointment, 
MissHowell?" 


EDNA'S  RELATIVES.  93 

"  I  have  had  just  enough  knowledge  of  both  to  give  me 
sympathy  for  those  who  have  had  greater  trials,  but  only 
the  shadow  of  grief,  compared  with  the  substance  of 
yours." 

Mrs.  Bartlette  seemed  startled  a  moment  by  the  answer, 
but  presently  resumed  :  — 

"  I  have  sometimes  thought  your  heart  must  be  older  in 
experience  than  in  years,  because  you  have  such  quick  and 
ready  sympathies  for  the  sorrows  of  others,  and  seem  to 
know  intuitively  how  to  apply  balm." 

"  Father  has  taught  me  how  to  approach  the  poor,  the 
suffering,  and  the  degraded  in  such  a  way  as  to  win  their 
confidence  and  love.  He  thinks  many  abandoned  men  and 
women  are  saved  by  kind  words,  and  I'm  sure  more  than 
one  heart  has  been  encouraged  to  bear  its  burdens  with 
cheerful  patience,  because  of  father's  comforting  ministra- 
tions. I've  been  thinking  this  evening,  Mrs.  Bartlette,  how 
I  might  help  you  bear  the  weight  of  grief  which  so  often 
nearly  crushes  you,  and  which  you  try  in  vain  to  conceal. 
I  know  you  have  an  only  son  in  prison,  and  I'm  quite  sure 
you  have  other  trials  almost  as  hard  to  endure." 

Diantha's  soft  voice  expressed  more  compassionate  ten- 
derness than  her  words,  and  for  a  minute  Mrs.  Bartlette's 
hands  were  pressed  before  her  quivering  face  —  only  for  a 
minute,  when,  with  a  shower  of  tears,  she  exclaimed, — 

"  God  knows  I  am  in  need  of  a  pitying  friend !  You 
shall  try  to  help  me  if  you  will.  You  seem  so  free  from 
guile,  so  pure  and  truthful,  that  I  am  constantly  rebuked 
and  humiliated  in  your  presence  and  your  father's,  because 
I  am  concealing  so  much  from  you.  You  do  not  even 
know  my  name." 

"  No ;  but  I  suspect  'tis  Atwood,  and  you  are  Edna's 
cousin." 

"  O,  Miss  Howell,  how  could  you  treat  me  with  such 


94  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

uniform  kindness,  knowing  all  the  while  I  was  acting  a 
lie?" 

"  Father  only  told  me  to-day  that  your  real  name  was 
not  Bartlette,  and  your  emotion  when  Edna's  relatives 
were  mentioned,  connected  with  other  facts,  led  us  to  sus- 
pect you  might  be  her  cousin.  But  had  I  been  sure  you 
were  trying  to  deceive  us,  I  should  have  treated  you  kindly 
from  pity,  and  with  the  hope  that  pitying  love  might  win 
your  confidence.  You  are  Mrs.  Atwood  ?  " 

"Yes;  and  you  will  not  blame  me  so  very  much  for 
trying  to  conceal  the  fact,  when  you  know  all  my  rea- 
sons. Edna's  mother  was  my  cousin;  but  being  left  an 
orphan  when  she  was  a  mere  child,  she  was  adopted  by  my 
parents,  and  became  very  dear  to  them  and  to  me.  When 
she  went  to  Smyrna,  I  was  her  nearest  living  relative,  and 
her  husband  was  without  family  connections,  save  very  dis- 
tant cousins.  I  did  not  know  Edna's  name  when  I  saw  her 
first  at  the  Bonsecour,  but  I  recognized  at  once  a  strong 
resemblance  to  my  cousin ;  and  when  I  was  sure  of  her 
parentage,  and  knew  I  was  her  only  relative,  for  her  futui'e 
good  I  tried  to  conceal  my  knowledge,  not  only  because,  in 
my  poverty,  I  could  not  provide  for  her,  but  because  I  did 
not  want  her  to  be  clouded  with  my  disgrace.  My  husband, 
as  well  as  my  son,  is  a  prisoner  for  crime.  When  Edna's 
mother  last  heard  from  me,  we  were  living  in  Libnah, 
Connecticut,  and  Mr.  Atwood  was  supposed  to  be  wealthy, 
but  dissipated  and  unreliable.  When  it  was  known  that  he 
was  a  speculator,  a  gambler,  and  in  almost  every  signifi- 
cance of  the  word  dishonest,  he  commenced  a  roving  life> 
and  I  followed  him,  with  my  only  boy,  from  city  to  city, 
never  remaining  many  months  in  a  place,  until  five  years 
ago  he  was  arrested  in  St.  Louis  for  forgery,  was  convicted, 
and  is  in  prison  there.  I  could  not  have  borne  the  weight 
of  my  husband's  disgrace  and  my  own  grief,  had  it  not  been 


EDNA'S  RELATIVES.  95 

for  my  son.  He  was  fifteen  at  that  time,  and.  so  far  as  I 
knew,  was  an  honest  boy.  I  took  him  with  me  to  New 
York,  living  there  under  an  assumed  name,  that  Lewis  might 
not  suffer  for  his  father's  sins,  and  working  hard  to  keep 
him  in  school.  Two  years  ago  he  was  generous,  impulsive, 
and  easily  influenced  by  affection ;  but  I  knew  he  lacked 
strength  of  will  and  moral  courage.  He  was  a  good  ac- 
countant, and  secured  a  situation  as  assistant  book-keeper 
in  a  large  wholesale  store  in  New  York,  and  weakly  — 
perhaps  I  should  say  wickedly  —  I  concealed  from  his  em- 
ployers his  true  name  and  his  father's  history.  He  had 
been  in  this  store  but  a  few  months  when  a  merchant  from 
St.  Louis,  who  had  known  us  when  Mr.  Atwood  was 
arrested,  called  on  business.  He  recognized  Lewis,  and 
addressed  him  by  his  true  name  before  his  employers,  and 
afterwards  gave  them  an  exaggerated  account  of  his 
father's  crimes.  They  were  of  course  indignant  because 
we  had  deceived  them,  and  sent  for  me  to  make  explana- 
tions. I  told  them  all  my  reasons  for  wishing  to  conceal 
our  real  name,  and  as  they  were  satisfied  with  Lewis's 
services,  they  decided  to  retain  him  ;  but  the  knowledge 
they  had  gained  made  them  suspicious  and  watchful. 

"After  a  time  Lewis  became  acquainted  with  several 
fast  young  men,  who  persuaded  him  to  indulge  in  pleasures 
and  luxuries  which  he  could  not  afford ;  and  in  order  to 
appear  manly  and  generous  before  them,  he  took  small 
sums  of  money  from  his  employers,  intending  to  refund  it, 
he  says,  when  he  had  an  increase  of  salary,  which  had  been 
promised  him.  But  his  new  friends  made  him  believe  his 
employers  were  niggardly,  and  his  services  not  sufficiently 
remunerated,  and  that  really  the  small  sums  he  took  were 
only  his  just  due.  He  had  been  with  the  firm  nearly  a 
year  and  a  half  when  his  petty  thieving  was  discovered, 
and  he  was  discharged.  They  were  generous  enough  not 


96  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

to  prosecute  him,  but  they  used  very  hard  and  bitter  words, 
and  taunted  him  with  his  father's  crimes  in  such  a  way  as 
to  exasperate  him  and  rouse  every  wicked  passion.  I  firmly 
believe,  Miss  Howell,  if  a  man  like  your  father  could  have 
dealt  with  Lewis  at  that  time,  he  might  have  been  saved ; 
but  in  the  white  heat  of  his  passion  he  conceived  the  plan 
of  robbing  the  firm  and  burning  their  store  to  conceal  his 

O  O 

crime.  He  succeeded,  with  an  accomplice,  in  entering  the 
store,  robbing  the  safe,  and  setting  fire  to  the  building. 
But  the  fire  was  discovered  by  the  police  before  it  had 
made  much  progress,  and  was  extinguished. 

"  Then  the  crime  was  easily  traced  to  Lewis  and  his 
accomplice,  who  had  escaped  to  Chicago,  with  only  nine 
hundred  dollars  in  money,  and  about  two  thousand  dol- 
lars' worth  of  valuable  goods.  They  were  arrested  there, 
brought  back  to  New  York,  where  Lewis  was  tried,  con- 
victed, and  sentenced  to  twelve  years'  imprisonment  and 
hard  labor." 

Mrs.  Atwood's  narrative  was  interrupted  by  many  tear- 
ful pauses  and  choking  sobs,  and  Diantha's  sympathy  was 
expressed  more  by  softly  kissing  the  mothei''s  quivering 
lips,  and  smoothing  her  thin,  gray  hair,  than  in  words ; 
and  yet  words  of  hope  and  comfort  dropped  with  healing 
power  from  the  maiden's  tongue.  But  Mrs.  Atwood, 
though  she  trusted  God,  had  not  learned  to  thank  Him,  — 

"  Through  dark  and  dearth,  through  fire  and  frost, 
With  emptied  arms  and  treasure  lost,"  — 

for  that  grief  which  had  clouded  her  sun  at  life's  noon,/or 
that  evil  which  seemed  to  her  only  blight.  r 


PLANS    AND    PKOSPECTS.  97 


CHAPTER   XI. 

PLANS     AND     PROSPECTS. 

"  All  is  of  God !    If  He  but  wave  His  hand, 

The  mists  collect,  the  rain  falls  thick  and  loud, 
Till,  with  a  smile  of  light  on  sea  and  land, 
Lo  !  He  looks  back  from  the  departing  cloud." 

LONGFELLOW. 

"  MUST  Edna  be  told  ?  "  asked  Diantha,  when  she  had 
given  her  father  the  substance  of  Mrs.  Bartlette's  revela- 
tions, as  they  lingered  in  the  wintry  twilight  over  their 
late  dinner. 

"You  say  Mrs.  Bartlette  desires  to  assume  her  true 
name  ?  " 

"  Yes.  She  has  suffered  so  much  from  fear  of  being 
recognized,  and  is  so  tired  of  deceit  in  all  its  guises,  that 
she  expresses  entire  willingness  to  be  known  hereafter  as 
Mrs.  Atwood,  even  if  the  name  brings  her  only  new 
humiliations." 

"  She  has  decided  wisely ;  and  now,  as  Edna  is  remark- 
ably mature  and  intelligent  for  a  girl  of  her  years,  I  think 
'tis  best  she  should  know  her  true  position  as  regards  rela- 
tives, and  not  be  left  in  expectation  and  uncertainty.  It 
may  not  be  necessary  to  tell  her  all  Mrs.  Bartlette's  reasons 
for  having  concealed  her  true  name;  but  she  should  know 
her  cousin  has  great  griefs  to  endure,  and  should  be  taught 
how  to  perform  little  acts  of  thoughtful  kindness,  which 
may  lighten  the  burden.  This  knowledge  of  their  kinship 
may  be  of  inestimable  value  to  both,  and  the  disaster 
7 


98  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

which  so  providentially  brought  them  together  may  prove 
God's  minister  of  mercy  to  them,  as  it  has  been  to  Cap- 
tain Ashmead.  I  found  him  rejoicing  in  hope  this  morn- 
ing, 'persuaded  that  neither  life,  nor  death,  nor  angels, 
nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things  present,  nor 
things  to  come,'  could  separate  him  from  the  love  of 
God." 

Diantha  sat  with  clasped  hands,  downcast  eyes,  and  a 
silent  tongue ;  but  the  grateful  thank-offering  of  her 
heart  found  expression  in  the  flushing  and  paling  of  her 
face. 

Dr.  Howell  observed  her  silence  and  her  eloquent  color 
—  hesitated  a  minute,  and  then  said, — 

"Daisy,  I  haven't  thanked  you  yet  on  behalf  of  the 
patients  at  the  Bonsecour  for  the  pleasure  your  voice  gave 
them  yesterday;  but  I  have  brought  you  a  rich  reward 
to-day  —  acts  of  self-denial  are  not  often  so  quickly 
crowned  with  compensation.  Captain  Ashmead  bade  me 
say  to  you,  that  the  singing  of  those  words  impressed  him 
quite  as  forcibly  with  the  infinitude  of  Christ's  mercy  and 
loving-kindness  as  the  storm  and  wreck  did  with  God's 
omnipotence." 

Diautha  left  her  seat,  and,  kneeling  by  her  father's  side, 
hid  her  face  against  his  breast,  whispering,  — 

"  I  do  not  deserve  to  be  rewarded  with  such  knowledge ; 
I  obeyed  you  reluctantly,  and  I  haven't  asked  your  pardon 
yet  for  my  momentary  rebellion  against  your  judgment 
and  wishes." 

"Your  gracious  compliance. quite  atoned  for  the  min- 
ute's hesitation,  and  you  have  no  need  to  ask  pardon. 
Rise,  Daisy,  and  sit  by  my  side  while  we  talk  over  briefly 
Edna's  position.  She  has  been  so  providentially  cast 
upon  our  protection,  and  is  so  winning,  modest,  and  intel- 
ligent, so  unfitted  in  her  delicate  physical  organization  for 


PLANS   AND    PROSPECTS.  99 

contact  with  those  whom  she  would  meet  in  homes  pro- 
vided by  public  charity,  that  I  have  a  strong  desire  to 
shield  her,  and,  so  far  as  possible,  give  her  that  parental 
affection  and  watchfulness  which  a  shrinking,  sensitive 
child  especially  requires.  Then  she  is  so  warmly  attached 
to  you,  and  is  so  easily  influenced  by  you,  that  I  am  will- 
ing to  make  great  sacrifices  for  the  sake  of  keeping  her 
with  you." 

"  Dear  father,  do  you  think  it  possible  ?  " 

"  I  hope  it  is.  Edna's  future  prospects  have  given  me 
much  anxious  and  prayerful  thought ;  and  while  my  inter- 
est in  her,  and  my  wish  to  keep  her  and  provide  for  her, 
have  been  increasing  every  day,  I  think  the  obstacles  to 
her  remaining  in  our  home  have  been  as  surely  decreasing. 
'Tis  quite  probable  Louise  will  marry  her  cousin  Arthur 
in  the  spring,  if  he  receives  the  appointment  of  secretary 
of  legation,  and  will  go  abroad  with  him.  Her  marriage 
will  relieve  your  mother  of  much  care,  will  reduce  our 
household  expenses,  and  will  make  such  a  vacancy  in  our 
home,  that  I  think  the  addition  of  Edna  will  be  a  pleasing 
novelty  for  a  while.  And  when  your  mother  has  once 
seen  her  prettiness  and  graceful,  modest  bearing,  and  be- 
come familiar  with  her  many  charms,  and  accustomed  to 
her  sweet  presence  and  helpful  ways  in  the  household,  I 
can  but  hope  she  will  consent  to  her  remaining,  even  if 
she  does  not  approve.  You  and  I  must  economize  some- 
what in  our  other  charities,  and  make  a  few  sacrifices  of 
personal  'tastes ;  but  I  believe  we  have  both  decided  not 
to  make  an  offering  to  our  God,  '  which  doth  cost  us 
nothing.' " 

"  The  pleasure  of  having  her  with  us  will  more  than 
pay  the  cost  of  any  sacrifices  I  am  obliged  to  make.  I 
can  take  charge  of  Edna's  wardrobe,  and  can  give  her 
lessons  in  everything  she  will  need  to  study  at  present,  so 


100  DE.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

that  her  education  will  be  no  expense  to  you  for  several 
years,  and  mother  need  feel  no  increase  of  care  or  respon- 
sibility. O,  father,  I  have  so  earnestly  desired  to  have 
Edna  for  my  little  sister  and  pupil,  that  I  was  almost  glad 
when  I  found  she  had  no  relatives  who  could  claim  her. 
I've  been  wanting  in  patience  and  faith  ever  since  I  first 
saw  her,  and  have  found  it  difficult  to  cultivate  the  '  wait- 
ing and  trusting'  spirit  you  so  often  enjoin  upon  me. 
Your  hint  about  Lou's  probable  engagement  is  quite  new 
to  me.  I  have  noticed  the  frequent  mention  of  her  cousin's 
name  in  the  hasty  notes  she  has  written,  but  have  supposed 
his  attentions  only  cousinly.  Louise  is  so  brilliant  and 
accomplished,  it  seems  natural  and  appropriate  for  her  to 
receive  attention  and  admiration." 

"  I  didn't  know  the  attentions  were  assuming  a  serious 
character  until  I  received  a  letter  from  your  mother  this 
morning.  Read  it,"  the  doctor  said,  handing  his  daughter 
the  letter;  and  Diantha  read. 

"  NEW  YORK,  January  26,  18 — . 

"  DEAE  STEPHEN  :  You  complain  of  the  shortness  and 
infrequency  of  my  letters ;  but  really  if  you  could  see 
what  a  whirl  of  exciting  pleasures  we  are  living  in,  you 
would  rather  wonder  that  I  write  at  all.  But  as  a  disa- 
greeable storm  of  sleet  and  snow  keeps  me  within  doors 
to-day,  I  can  promise  you  a  long  letter.  You  know  Mar- 
velina  is  the  fashion  in  New  York  this  winter.  She  has 
a  rich  and  powerful  soprano  voice,  and  the  most  artistic 
expression  and  style ;  and  as  Ralph  has  a  box  and  a  season 
ticket  for  his  family,  and  Louise  and  I  are  both  passion- 
ately fond  of  the  opera,  we  go  to  hear  Marvelina  every 
evening  Avhen  we  are  not  engaged  to  a  party.  We  go  out 
so  much,  and  see  such  fashionable  society,  that  I've  found 
my  new  India  shawl  positively  indispensable,  and  I've 


PLANS    AND    PROSPECTS.  101 

been  obliged  to  make  several  very  expensive  additions 
to  my  wardrobe;  but,  thanks  to  the  good  fortune  of  my 
first  marriage,  I  can  afford  to  gratify  my  tastes  occasion- 
ally. 

"  Louise  is  very  much  admired  in  her  aunt's  visiting  circle, 
and  I  must  say,  both  Ralph  and  his  wife  have  been  very 
generous  to  her;  they  have  made  her  handsome  presents 
of  jewels  and  wardrobe,  and  her  cousin  Ralph  is  begging 
the  privilege  of  adding  a  diamond  ring  to  the  numerous 
gifts  she  has  accepted  from  him.  "Tis  proper  that  I  should 
tell  you  now  that  Louise  seems  to  regard  her  cousin  with 
more  favor  than  she  bestows  upon  her  other  admirers. 
Arthur's  plans  and  pursuits  are  very  congenial  to  her.  -He 
has  been  promised  an  appointment,  which  will  introduce 
him  to  the  political  world,  and,  as  brother  Ralph  has  an 
intimate  acquaintance  with  several  members  of  the  Cabi- 
net and  Senate,  and  money  enough  to  buy  influence,  there 
is  no  doubt  Arthur  will  be  one  of  the  secretaries  of  our 
legation  in  France.  Just  think  for  a  moment  of  the  bril- 
liant prospects  open  to  my  Louise  —  three  or  four  years  to 
be  spent  in  the  best  society  of  Paris,  another  year  in  visit- 
ing the  principal  cities  and  charming  scenery  of  Europe, 
and  then,  life  in  Washington !  Arthur  intends  to  make 
politics  his  profession ;  and  his  talents,  ambition,  and 
money  will  make  his  career  eminently  successful,  I've  no 
doubt.  Dear  me  !  how  often  I  have  sighed  for  just  such 
a  life  as  Lou  will  probably  lead !  and  if  I  was  as  young 
and  handsome  now  as  wbxn  my  dear  Arthur  died,  my 
youth  and  beauty  should  raise  me  to  such  a  social  position 
as  I  am  fitted  to  adorn.  Of  course  we  see  the  best  soci- 
ety in  Hanthrop ;  but  there  is  a  puritanic  narrowness 
about  it  which  does  not  harmonize  with  my  tastes.  New 
York  society  has  a  broader  and  more  liberal  platform ;  and 
people  don't  stop  to  inquire  into  the  respectability  of  your 


102  DR.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

pedigree  as  far  back  as  the  landing  of  the  Pilgrims ;  but 
if  you  have  wealth  and  style,  or  beauty  and  accomplish- 
ments, you  are  received  into  fashionable  circles,  and  made 
to  feel  at  home  by  the  easy,  affable  way  in  which  you  are 
treated. 

"  I  commenced  telling  you  about  Louise,  but  digressed,  as 
usual.  My  thoughts  flow  so  freely,  'tis  almost  impossible 
to  confine  them  within  the  limits  of  a  letter.  She  is  quite 
satisfied  with  her  cousin's  social  position  and  his  political 
prospects,  admires  his  talents  and  his  distinguished  per- 
sonal appearance,  and  is  as  deeply  in  love  with  him  as  a 
girl  should  be  before  marriage.  Arthur  is  perfectly  de- 
voted to  her  ;  and  in  fact,  her  uncle,  aunt,  and  cousin  Hor- 
tense  seem  as  proud  of  her  beauty  and  accomplishments 
as  if  she  were  already  Arthur's  wife.  Ralph  is  in  Wash- 
ington this  week,  negotiating  for  Arthur;  and  if  his  mis- 
sion is  successful,  the  family  will  give  a  large  party  to 
announce  the  engagement  to  their  friends.  Louise  is 
having  a  pale  lemon-colored  silk  made  for  the  occasion. 
'Tis  her  aunt's  gift,  and  will  be  trimmed  elaborately  with 
point  lace.  Ralph's  wife  expressed  a  wish  yesterday  that 
you  and  Di  should  come  on  to  attend  the ( party;  and  you 
will,  of  course,  receive  formal  invitations  from  her.  I  do 
hope  you  will  contrive  to  leave  your  dreary,  treadmill 
duties  long  enough  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  the  gay  world. 
It  will  go  a  great  way  towards  enlarging  and  liberalizing 
your  ideas  of  life.  These  festivities  will  prolong  our  stay 
in  New  York  until  just  before—Lent,  and  Lou  will  proba- 
bly be  married  early  in  April,  and  sail  immediately  for 
Europe. 

"  She  will  have  few  preparations  to  make,  as  her  bridal 
trousseau  can  be  got  up  in  Paris  with  less  expense,  and  a 
vast  deal  more  of  style  than  at  home.  The  stocks  of  the 
Eureka  were  thirty-six  per  cent,  above  par  yesterday,  and 


PLANS    AND    PROSPECTS.  103 

Ralph  says  we  could  sell  out  any  day,  and  make  a  hand- 
some net  gain  on  our  investments.  He  was  very  enthu- 
siastic, when  he  went  to  Washington,  in  forming  a  new 
company  for  the  purpose  of  quartz-crushing  in  California. 
He  has  made  a  conditional  purchase  of  a  tract  of  land  and 
a  mill  privilege  on  the  Feather  River,  and  will  send  an 
agent  out  to  superintend  the  erection  of  a  crushing  mill, 
as  soon  as  he  finds  leisure  to  look  after  the  man's  outfit. 
Arthur's  business  must  be  settled  first ;  but  Ralph  says 
within  six  months  after  this  mill  is  in  working  order,  the 
stockholders  will  be  receiving  handsome  dividends.  He 
advises  Louise  to  invest  in  the  new  stocks,  and  she  has 
decided  to  buy  two  thousand  dollars'  worth.  Of  course 
her  uncle  is  quite  as  deeply  interested  in  her  pecuniary 
prosperity  as  if  she  were  his  own  daughter.  I  shall  make 
no  more  investments  until  after  Louise  is  married,  as  I 
shall  want  a  large  amount  of  ready  money  to  use  at  that 
time.  We  shall  be  obliged  to  give  a  wedding  breakfast; 
and  then,  before  the  young  people  sail,  we  must  have  an 
evening  reception,  not  only  because  we  are  indebted  to 
everybody  in  the  way  of  invitations,  but  we  shall  want 
all  Hanthrop  to  see  what  a  splendid  alliance  Louise  has 
made. 

"  And  now,  doctor,  this  brings  me  to  the  most  important 
item  of  my  letter.  I  saw  yesterday  in  the  Hanthrop  "  Cou- 
rier "  that  the  elegant  residence  on  Hawthorn  Avenue,  for- 
merly owned  by  the  late  Judge  Carruthers,  will  be  offered 
for  sale  next  Saturday.  The  house  hasn't  been  built  ten 
years,  and  I've  never  been  inside  it  without  admiring  its 
style,  and  longing  for  just  such  a  home.  I  have  heard  it  cost 
Judge  Carruthers  over  thirty-five  thousand  dollars  ;  but  as 
he  died  so  suddenly,  leaving  his  affairs  in  bad  condition, 
most  likely  the  house  can  be  bought  for  twenty  or  twenty- 
five  thousand.  Just  think  how  desirable  a  residence  for 


104  DB.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

us,  what  advantages  it  offers  to  your  profession,  and  what 
an  investment  for  you !  If  you  buy  it,  the  larger  part  of 
the  price  can  remain  on  mortgage ;  and  property  is  con- 
stantly increasing  in  value  on  that  avenue.  Immediate 
possession  will  be  given  the  purchaser,  and  we  could  have 
it  furnished,  and  be  perfectly  at  home  in  it,  before  Lou's 
wedding  cards  are  sent  out.  We  can  rent  the  dingy  old 
house  we've  lived  in  twenty  years,  and  I  can  have  the  sat- 
isfaction of  exercising  my  taste  in  furnishing  a  handsome 
home  while  I  am  young  enough  to  enjoy  it.  Do  be  gen- 
erous this  once,  doctor,  and  let  your  family  live  in  a  house 
suitable  to  their  position  in  society,  and  not  subject  me  to 
the  mortification  of  receiving  Ralph's  family  in  our  old 
house.  Louise  is  not  your  own  daughter,  and  for  that 
very  reason  all  the  eyes  in  Hanthrop  will  be  watching  to 
see  if  her  step-father  behaves  handsomely  at  this  time. 
You  have  permitted  your  purse  to  be  drained  so  long  by 
every,  beggar  who  tells  a  plausible  story,  that  you  have 
grown  neglectful  of  the  claims  of  your  family  aud  the  re- 
quirements of  good  society. 

"Tell  Diantha  she  must  be  saving  her  money,  as  she 
and  Hoi-tense  are  to  be  Lou's  bridesmaids,  and  I  should  be 
shockingly  mortified  not  to  see  her  as  becomingly  dressed 
at  the  breakfast  and  at  the  reception  as  Hortense.  I  sup- 
pose Stephen  has  gone  back  to  college ;  but  the  dear  boy 
has  written  me  only  one  letter  since  I've  been  in  New 
York.  Perhaps  he  is  waiting  for  me  to  answer  that, 
but  you  must  tell  both  Di  and  Stephen  how  very 
busy  I  am,  and  how  anxious  about  Lou's  affairs  just 
now.  When  she  is  fairly  off  to  Europe  I  shall  devote 
myself  to  them. 

"Have  you  found  any  one  to  claim  that  little  ship- 
wrecked girl  ?  I  never  can  think  of  her  name.  Has  Hor- 
ace Metcalf  called  since  we  were  in  New  York?  Poor 


PLANS    AND    PROSPECTS.  105 

fellow.  He'll  be  terribly  shocked  when  he  hears  of  Lou's 
good  fortune ;  but  he  shouldn't  have  been  so  long  in  mak- 
ing a  choice.  Lou  has  never  hidden  her  rare  accomplish- 
ments behind  a  bushel,  and  a  liberally  educated  young 
man,  who  has  seen  so  much  of  the  world,  ought  to  know 
how  to  appreciate  her  talents,  beauty,  and  style.  Bless 
me !  the  dressing-bell  is  ringing,  and  I've  spent  three 
precious  hours  in  writing,  and  have  forgotten  to  alter 
the  lace  trimmings  on  the  sleeves  of  my  garnet  silk,  and 
I  particularly  wanted  to  wear  it  this  evening.  But  I 
have  always  been  just  so  forgetful  of  self  when  there 
was  anything  to  be  done  for  the  comfort  and  pleasure  of 
others. 

"  Let  me  know  immediately  your  decision  in  regard  to 
the  Carruthers  house.  I  shall  write  again  as  soon  as 
Ralph  returns  from  Washington.  With  love  to  Di  and 
Stephen,  I  am 

Yours,  affectionately, 

MARY  G.  HOWELL." 

Dr.  Howell  stood  with  his  elbow  upon  the  mantel, 
thoughtfully  gazing  into  the  coal  fire,  while  Diantha  was 
reading ;  and  when  she  had  finished,  each  avoided  meeting 
the  other's  eye.  The  doctor  did  not  wish  his  child  to 
read  in  his  face  the  sorrow  and  regret  he  felt  for  her 
mother's  worldliness,  pride,  and  ambition ;  and  Diantha 
did  not  wish  her  father  to  see  the  flush  of  pain  and 
shame  which  his  wife  and  her  mother  had  kindled  by 
the  heartless  tone  of  this  letter.  Diautha  was  the  first 
to  speak. 

"  Do  you  think  favorably  of  buying  the  Carruthers 
house?" 

"  No,  Daisy ;  I  cannot  for  several  reasons  —  the  chief 
of  which  is  want  of  means.  I  could  raise  perhaps  half  the 


106  DK.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

price  of  the  estate,  and  allow  the  other  half  to  remain  on 
mortgage ;  but  it  would  hamper  me,  and  deprive  me  of  the 
ability  to  help  others.  You  do  not  wish  it  ?  " 

"Not  for  my  own  sake,  —  this  old  house  is  very  dear 
and  pleasant,  and  quite  grand  enough  to  suit  me,  —  but  I 
am  always  glad  when  you  can  gratify  mother." 

"It  has  been  my  aim,  ever  since  I  married,  to  surround 
my  wife  with  as  many  luxuries  as  my  income  would  jus- 
tify ;  but  I  dare  not  incur  so  heavy  a  debt  for  the  sake  of 
gratifying  her,  when  I  know  the  shadow  of  it  would  unfit 
me  for  my  professional  duties." 

"  When  mother's  guests  arrive  I  can  share  Edna's  room, 
and  give  up  mine  to  Hortense.  I  shall  be  glad  to  have 
the  entire  care  of  Edna  now,  and  Mrs.  Atwood  might 
leave  next  week  if  employment  could  be  found  for  her 
elsewhere." 

"  We  shall  have  three  or  four  weeks  to  look  around, 
before  the  advent  of  our  distinguished  relatives  and  the 
beginning  of  Lent.  Much  can  be  accomplished  in  that 
time,  and  I've  no  doubt  healthy  employment  can  be  found 
for  Mrs.  Atwood's  hands  and  brains.  How  can  Edna's 
wardrobe  be  made  presentable?  I  wish  her  to  make  as 
pleasant  and  favorable  an  impression  on  your  mother  as 
possible.  Dress  goes  a  great  way,  sometimes,  towards 
awakening  a  kindly  interest.  How  much  money  will  you 
want?" 

"Not  a  dollar.  Mrs.  Metcalf,  and  several  others  who 
have  heard  of  Edna's  destitution,  have  given  me  valuable 
articles  of  clothing  for  her;  and  with  the  help  of  Mrs. 
Atwood's  needle,  I  am  getting  up  a  neat,  comfortable,  and 
even  pretty  wardrobe.  She  will  be  ready  for  a  sleigh-ride 
to-morrow." 

"Daisy,  how  could  I  live  without  you?"  asked  the 
doctor,  drawing  his  daughter  fondly  to  his  side,  and  rest- 


PLANS    AND    PROSPECTS.  107 

ing  his  face  against  the  golden  wealth  of  her  hair.     "  So 
true,  thoughtful,  and  unselfish  —  " 

"Hush!  dear  papa,  and  say  rather,  so  arrogant,  self- 
willed,  and  worldly,  until  your  teachings  and  Christ's 
merciful  forbearance  helped  me  to  choose  the  better 
part." 


108  DB.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER  XII. 
THE  DOCTOR'S  LETTEB. 

"  How  happy  is  he  born  and  taught 
That  serveth  not  another's  will, 
Whose  armor  is  his  honest  thought, 
And  simple  truth  his  utmost  skill '.  " 

"  HANTHROP,  January  29. 

"  MY  DEAE  WIFE  :  You  desire  to  know  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible if  my  wishes  coincide  with  yours  regarding  the  pur- 
chase of  the  Carruthers  house,  and  I  will  reply  briefly  this 
morning  to  your  last  favor,  received  yesterday.  For  your 
sake  I  have  given  the  subject  much  serious  thought,  and 
have  called  upon  one  of  the  executors  of  the  estate  to 
learn  the  price  and  the  terms  of  purchase.  I  find  it  can  be 
bought  for  twenty-six  thousand  dollars,  and  my  judgment 
tells  me  'tis  a  very  reasonable  price  for  such  a  well-built, 
modern  house,  so  desirably  and  pleasantly  located. 

"  I  could  not  raise  half  the  sum  necessary  to  make  this 
purchase  without  seriously  hampering  myself,  and  the  re- 
maining half,  that  I  .doubt  not  could  lie  on  mortgage, 
would  be  a  burden  of  debt  and  care  which  I  dare  not 
assume,  when  I  remember  the  clear  head  and  cool  nerves 
requisite  to  my  profession.  With  my  views  of  account- 
ability to  God,  it  would  be  positive  sin  for  me  to  commit 
an  act  the  consequences  of  which  would  unfit  me  for  clear- 
ness and  concentration  of  thought.  Moreover,  I  do  not 
believe  any  man  who  is  dependent  upon  his  profession  has 


THE  DOCTOR'S  LETTEK.  109 

a  moral  right  to  live  in  a  house  costing  double  the  amount 
of  his  available  means. 

"  And  supposing  I  could  command  a  sufficient  sum  to 
purchase  the  house  you  desire,  it  would  require  so  large  a 
portion  of  my  income  to  support  a  style  of  living  cor- 
responding with  the  house,  that  I  should  have  little  or 
nothing  to  bestow  in  charity,  or  to  lay  aside  for  the  use  of 
my  family  if  I  should  be  removed  by  death  or  incapacitated 
for  my  professional  duties.  When  I  think  of  the  comforts 
and  conveniences  of  our  old  home,  which,  by  the  blessing 
of  God,  I  have  paid  for,  I  am  unwilling  to  exchange  them 
for  the  stately  elegances  of  a  house  as  little  suited  to  my 
tastes  and  habits  as  the  tortoise's  shell  was  to  the  poor 
snail.  I  should  feel  as  if  I  were  constantly  acting  a  false- 
hood, and  that  my  grandeur  was  maintained  with  the  price 
of  some  poor  widow's  or  orphan's  bread. 

"  I  do  not  object  to  a  handsome  style  of  living  for  those 
who  can  afford  it,  and  who  leave  a  generous  margin  for  the 
relief  of  those  whom  our  Saviour  has  commended  to  our 
care ;  but  when  a  house  is  purchased  and  furnished,  not  so 
much  for  our  needs,  comforts,  and  the  gratification  of  our 
tastes,  as  with  the  intent  of  outdoing  our  neighbors,  then 
the  extravagance  becomes  a  crime,  because  it  fosters  envy, 
and  tempts  others  to  adopt  a  style  of  living  beyond  their 
means.  I  sincerely  believe,  Mary,  that  many  professing 
Christians  are  at  least  negatively  culpable  for  the  fearful 
increase  of  such  crimes  as  foi-gery  and  embezzlement. 

"  Clerks  and  those  who  are  employed  in  our  civil  service, 
professional  men  with  moderate  incomes,  in  fact,  thou- 
sands of  people  with  small  means,  are  tempted  by  the  ex- 
travagant and  luxurious  display  of  wealth  to  imitate  it  in 
the  furnishing  of  their  houses,  in  the  expense  and  style  of 
their  dress,  and  in  all  the  fashionable  follies  of  the  present 
day.  And  in  order  to  keep  up  this  false  show  and  appear- 


110  DE.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

ance  of  wealth,  many  embezzle  funds,  speculate  in  fancy 
stocks,  buy  lottery  tickets,  and  resort  to  the  gambling 
saloon,  hoping  and  trusting,  no  doubt,  until  blunted  by 
frequent  yielding  to  temptation,  that  some  turn  of  fortune's 
wheel  will  enable  them  to  refund  the  money,  and  return  to 
honest  measures  for  the  support  of  their  expensive  habits, 
before  the  curtain  rises,  and  their  false  life  is  laid  bare. 

"  It  pains  me  to  deny  you  any  gratification  which  you 
think  will  conduce  to  your  happiness ;  but  neither  my  means 
nor  my  conscience  will  permit  me  to  purchase  the  Car- 
ruthers  house. 

"  I  am  happy  to  congratulate  Louise  on  her  apparently 
brilliant  prospects.  Such  a  career  as  her  cousin  has 
mapped  out  for  himself  opens  a  large  field  for  Christian 
usefulness ;  and  I  hope  the  young  people  will  not  permit 
ambitious  struggles  for  wealth  and  political  honors  to 
eclipse  those  higher  aims  and  pursuits  which  ennoble  the 
intellect  and  purify  the  affections.  You  may  be  sure  I 
will  do  for  my  step-daughter,  at  this  important  crisis  of  her 
life,  whatever  seems  to  me  right  and  consistent  with  my 
income. 

"  Present  my  regards,  please,  to  your  brother  Ralph's 
family,  and  invite  them  to  accept  the  hospitalities  of  our 
home  for  as  long  a  time  as  they  may  find  it  pleasant  and 
convenient  to  do  so.  It  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  go  to 
New  York  to  attend  the  party  given  in  honor  of  Lou's  en- 
gagement. I  have  a  large  number  of  patients,  and  several 
whose  condition  is  so  critical  I  should  not  feel  safe  in 
leaving  them ;  and  then,  Mary,  I  cannot  afford  the  expense 
of  such  a  pleasure  trip  when  I  am  anticipating  the  heavy 
draughts  upon  my  purse  which  Lou's  wedding  festivities 
will  necessarily  occasion.  I  must  rely  upon  that  superior 
knowledge  of  style  which  your  intimacy  with  the  fashions 
of  New  York  has  given  you  for  liberalizing  my  own  ideas. 


THE  DOCTOR'S  LETTER.  Ill 

If  Daisy  feels  inclined  to  go,  and  I  can  procure  a  suitable 
escort  for  her,  I  shall  favor  the  trip.  A  glimpse  of  such 
style  as  Ralph's  family  support  cannot  harm  my  little  field- 
flower,  nor  ruffle  that  sweet  content  of  hers  which  scatters 
such  wealth  of  perfume  upon  the  lives  of  others. 

"  The  little  shipwrecked  girl  for  whom  you  inquire  is  so 
far  recovered  that  1  am  going  to  give  her  an  airing  in  my 
sleigh  this  morning.  No  relatives  have  been  found  who 
can  afford  the  child  support  and  protection,  and  her  ner- 
vous system  is  not  yet  strong  enough  to  endure  the  shock 
of  a  removal  from  our  house.  She  must  be  watched  with 
tenderest  love  for  many  months,  else  grief  for  her  great 
losses  will  prove  too  heavy  a  strain  upon  her  extremely 
delicate  physical  strength. 

"  Stephen  has  returned  to  his  studies,  but  brings  back  to 
us  every  Saturday  the  breezy  freshness  of  his  hearty,  vigor- 
ous nature,  his  racy  stories  of  student  life,  and  his  sopho- 
moric  quotations.  Beneath  this  rippling,  effervescing  tide 
of  poetry  and  sentiment  in  our  boy  I  believe  there  is  hidden 
the  elements  of  strong,  noble,  and  vigorous  manhood, 
which  I  pray  that  Infinite  Love  may  awaken  and  develop. 
Mary,  I  hope  the  quiet  and  rational  pleasures  which  our 
home  and  my  income  afford,  added  to  the  affection  of  your 
husband  and  children,  may  atone  for  the  lack  of  those 
gayeties  and  luxuries  which  your  visit  to  Ralph's  family 
has  made  familiar  to  you.  Daisy  unites  with  me  in  love  to 
you  and  Louise. 

Truly  and  affectionately  yours, 

STEPHEN  HOWELL." 

To  appreciate  the  amount  of  moral  courage  it  cost  Dr. 
Howell  to  decide  against  the  purchase  of  a  house  which 
his  wife  particularly  desired  to  own,  it  would  be  necessary 
to  spend  months  in  his  family,  and  hear  the  oft-repeated 


112  DE.  HOWBLL'S  FAMILY. 

hints  and  allusions  to  his  want  of  tact  and  business  talent, 
his  old-fashioned  notions  and  lack  of  ambition,  his  heed- 
less disregard  of  his  wife's  refined  tastes,  superior  culture, 
and  sensitive  nerves,  and  the  rasping  frequency  with  which 
his  charities  were  cited  as  an  evidence  of  his  obtuseuess 
to  the  requirements  of  fashion  and  the  wants  of  his 
family. 

The  doctor  had  scarcely  folded  and  directed  his  letter 
when  Diantha  entered  the  room,  leading  his  little  patient 
equipped  for  a  drive ;  and  he  gladly  turned  from  the  con- 
templation of  an  unpleasant  theme  to  the  duties  of  his 
profession,  which  were  usually  so  agreeable  and  absorbing 
to  his  thoughts  as  to  banish  all  memories  of  personal  pain 
and  disappointment.  Fortunately  for  Dr.  Howell's  peace 
and  usefulness,  he  knew  "  the  labor  we  delight  in  physics 
pain ; "  and  probably  few  struggling,  disappointed,  care- 
oppressed  souls  have  ever  made  a  better  use  of  such 
knowledge. 

"You  do  not  know  how  much  your  father  has  done, 
Miss  Howell,  to  make  my  son's  condition  endurable,  and 
to  reconcile  him  to  it,"  said  Mrs.  Atwood,  when  she  and 
Diantha  turned  away  from  the  window  where  they  had 
watched  the  departure  of  the  doctor  and  Edna. 

"  I  didn't  know  father  had  much  power  or  influence  in 
the  prison,"  Diantha  replied,  in  such  tones  as  to  encourage 
Mrs.  Atwood  to  speak  upon  that  subject  which  was  al- 
ways so  painfully  present  to  her  thoughts. 

"  It  seems  to  me  as  if  his  influence  pervaded  every  place 
in  this  city  —  as  though  he  brought  light  to  every  dark 
spot  —  hope  and  healing  to  all  kinds  of  mental  and  physi- 
cal suffering.  When  he  first  met  me  at  the  prison,  my 
life  was  barren  and  wretched  ;  so  valueless  I  could  have 
thrown  it  away  in  any  dark  hour ;  but  for  Lewis's  sake  I 
was  willing  to  drag  out  my  dark  days  in  order  to  relieve 


THE  DOCTOR'S  LETTER.  113 

the  tedious  monotony  of  his  prison  life;  and  now  the 
activity  and  charity  of  your  daily  life  have  shown  me  that 
even  I  can  find  some  work  to  do  for  others." 

"  And  in  the  performance  of  it,  I  trust  you  may  so  far 
forget  your  own  sorrows  as  to  be,  at  least,  submissive  and 
content  to  wait." 

"  All  my  hope  is  buried  within  prison  walls,  and  there  is 
no  angel's  hand  to  roll  the  heavy  stones  away;  and  0,  this 
'  waiting  and  trusting '  is  so  hard !  Your  father  has  done 
a  great  deal  to  ameliorate  the  condition  of  my  son,  but 
he  cannot  remove  him  from  the  contaminating  influence 
of  prison  life,  nor  shorten  the  term  of  his  confinement. 
Lewis  will  be  thirty-two  years  of  age  if  he  lives  to  be 
released  —  a  man  in  years,  but  a  boy  in  every  thing  ex- 
cepting his  knowledge  of  crime ;  unfitted  for  any  respecta- 
ble position  in  life ;  suspected  and  distrusted  because  the 
stain  of  his  crime  will  be  branded  on  his  forehead,  and  its 
ghost  will  follow  him  wherever  we  may  flee.  Like  Cain, 
he  will  be  a  fugitive  and  a  vagabond ;  and  our  punishment 
will  be  greater  than  we  can  bear." 

Mrs.  Atwood's  clasped  hands  and  quivering  lips  attested 
the  depth  of  her  pain  and  grief  more  forcibly  than  her 
words. 

"  Tell  me  what  father  has  done  for  Lewis,"  asked  Dian- 
tha,  not  daring  to  offer  words  of  comfort  to  the  woman 
whose  present  was  so  barren  of  joy,  and  whose  fears  for 
the  future  were  so  tangible. 

"  In  the  first  place  he  persuaded  the  prison  officers  that 
Lewis's  work  was  too  hard  for  him:  it  was  stone-cutting; 
and  the  dust  was  irritating  his  lungs,  which  have  never 
been  strong  since  he  was  a  young  lad,  and  suffered  from 
a  severe  attack  of  pneumonia.  The  officers  would  not 
listen  to  me  nor  to  Lewis  regarding  the  injury  of  the  dust. 
8 


114  DR.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

They  thought  he  had  been  brought  up  in  idleness,  and  was 
feigning  indisposition  ;  but  the  testimony  of  Dr.  Howell 
prevailed  with  them,  and  they  have  taken  him  out  of  the 
stone-cutting  yard,  and  given  him  employment  in  wood- 
carving,  which  is  much  more  tolerable  to  him.  Then 
your  father  won  the  confidence  of  Lewis  by  talking  kindly 
to  him,  and  showing  him  how  he  might  be  preparing  for 
the  distant  future.  He  learned  that  Lewis  had  some  de- 
sire to  be  taught  civil  engineering ;  and  he  has  bought 
him  books,  and  has  found  a  man  who  is  willing  to  go  to 
the  warden's  office  twice  a  week  to  instruct  him.  This 
permission  from  the  officers  for  Lewis  to  have  lessons  was 
an  especial  favor  granted  to  Dr.  Howell,  and  from  his 
purse  the  teacher  is  paid." 

"  Dear  Mrs.  Atwood,  my  knowledge  of  life  has  not  qual- 
ified me  to  speak  with  any  authority  or  confidence  on  this 
subject ;  but  have  you  never  thought  these  twelve  years 
of  punishment  may  be  a  wholesome  discipline  to  Lewis? 
that,  arrested  so  suddenly,  before  crime  had  hardened  him, 
he  is  more  accessible  to  good  influences  than  he  would 
have  been  had  he  spent  a  few  more  years  in  New  York, 
taught  by  such  companions  as  he  had  chosen  ?  You  say 
he  always  lacked  strength  of  will  and  moral  courage. 
May  you  not  hope  he  will  gain  firmness  and  the  power  of 
resisting  that  evil  which  has  brought  him  only  disgrace 
and  humiliation,  and  you  such  bitter  grief  and  pain  ?  Is 
it  not  possible  he  may  acquire  a  love  for  study  through 
the  influence  of  his  teacher,  the  chaplain,  and  my  father, 
who  are  all  deeply  interested  in  him,  so  as  really  to  take 
his  place  in  the  world  at  thirty-two  better  fitted  for  honest 
work  and  a  respectable  position  than  if  he  had  spent 
twelve  years  as  an  accountant,  and,  without  committing 
such  crimes  as  were  amenable  to  the  laws,  had  blunted 


THE  DOCTOB'S  LETTER.  115 

and  weakened  his  moral  perceptions  by  yielding  to  petty 
sins,  contracting  extravagant  habits,  and  gaining  from  his 
associates  false  views  of  life  and  work  ?  I  dare  not  en- 
courage you  to  hope  that  if  Lewis's  character  is  unexcep- 
tionable for  several  years,  he  may  be  pardoned  out ;  but  I 
will  help  you  bear  the  burden  of  your  pain  and  loneliness, 
and  I  will  go  with  you  sometimes  to  see  Lewis,  if  you 
think  my  visits  would  encourage  him  in  trying  to  do 
well." 

"  O,  Miss  Howell,  I  should  be  so  grateful  if  you  would 
show  a  kind  interest  in  my  poor  boy.  I  believe  if  he 
thought  one  like  you  had  confidence  in  him,  and  really 
cared  for  his  future,  he  would  have  more  ambition  to 
study,  more  self-respect,  and  the  chances  would  be  greater 
for  his  escaping  from  the  contamination  of  those  who  are 
older  in  sin  than  he  is.  And  if  I  dared,  after  all  you  have 
done  for  me,  ask  one  more  favor  —  " 

Mrs.  Atwood  paused,  timidity  and  native  delicacy  al- 
most forbidding  her  to  ask  help,  even  where  it  had  been 
most  generously  offered. 

"  Don't  hesitate  to  ask,  Mrs.  Atwood ;  you  cannot  need 
another  assurance  of  my  willingness  to  grant  favors,"  said 
Diantha,  with  a  smile  of  encouragement. 

"  No.  I  heard  from  the  patients  at  the  Bonsecour,  yes- 
terday, of  your  kindness  in  singing  to  them,  and  I  have 
longed  to  ask  you  to  sing  in  the  prison  chapel,  sometimes, 
at  morning  service.  There  is  something  wonderfully  per- 
suasive and  thrilling  in  your  manner  of  singing  '  Come 
unto  Me,  all  ye  that  labor ; '  and  I  believe  the  tones  and 
the  words  might  make  a  deeper  and  more  permanent  im- 
pression on  the  hearts  of  those  poor,  hardened  prisoners 
than  a  dozen  sermons  would,  if  for  no  other  reason  than 
because  they  steel  themselves  against  truth,  which  they 


116  DE.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

think  has  been  prepared  expressly  to  be  hurled  at  crimi- 
nals. But  the  novelty  of  the  singing,  combined  with  the 
persuasiveness  of  your  voice,  would  give  the  words  a 
power  over  these  degraded  men  which  some  might  be 
unable  to  resist." 

Diantha's  eyes  were  for  a  minute  so  full  of  tears  that 
her  needle  and  hands  found  space  to  rest.  Her  first 
thought  was  one  of  shrinking  from  the  very  air  which  so 
many  rough,  crime-stained  men  had  polluted  with  their 
breath ;  and  her  next  was  one  of  hesitancy  in  using  her 
voice  in  any  way  which  would  appear  ostentatious.  Then 
she  thought  of  Christ's  office  and  mission,  "To  bind  up 
the  broken-hearted,  to  proclaim  liberty  to  the  captive,  and 
^the  opening  of  the  prison  to  them  that  are  bound,"  and 
of  her  desire  to  imitate  Him  in  carrying  balm  and  healing 
to  bruised  hearts ;  she  thought  of  Captain  Ashmead's  tes- 
timony to  the  power  her  voice  had  given  those  words,  and 
remembered  the  few  ways  in  which  she  could  offer  service 
to  her  Master,  that  in  reality  cost  the  sacrifice  of  her  pet 
tastes,  pursuits,  and  inclinations ;  in  fact,  any  sacrifice  of 
hers  seemed  trifling  compared  with  the  effect  Mrs.  Atwood 
thought  might  be  produced  by  the  singing  of  that  an- 
them. 

It  appeared  to  her  so  grand  and  noble  a  thing  to  show 
one  human  soul  the  possibilities  of  attaining  a  purer  man- 
hood, —  to  sow  the  seed  from  which,  in  after  years,  golden 
grain  might  be  garnered  ;  that  while  she  thought,  her 
timidity,  her  shrinking  hesitancy,  melted  away,  and  she 
exclaimed,  — 

"If  father  approves,  and  can  go  with  me  to  the  prison 
chapel,  if  the  chaplain  thinks  singing  would  be  acceptable, 
and  good  might  result  from  it,  I  will  try." 

Mrs.  Atwood  rose  hastily,  and  touched  Diantha's  trem- 


THE  DOCTOR'S  LETTER.  117 

bling  lips  with  her  own,  only  saying,  "  God  bless  you ! " 
and  the  maiden's  tears  attested  the  truth  and  beauty  of 
this  stanza :  — 

"  Heaven  is  not  reached  at  a  single  bound, 

But  we  build  the  ladder  by  which  we  rise 
From  the  lowly  earth  to  the  vaulted  skies, 

And  we  mount  to  its  summit  round  by  round." 


118  DE.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

MAKING   PROGRESS. 

"  He  only  is  advancing  in  life  whose  heart  is  getting  Boftcr,  whose  blood 
warmer,  whose  brain  quicker,  whose  spirit  is  entering  into  Living  Peace.'' 

KCSKIX. 

EDNA  SHEEVE'S  visit  to  Captain  Ashrnead  was  not  so 
happy  in  its  results  as  the  doctor  and  his  daughter  had 
hoped.  His  presence  had  recalled  too  vividly  the  terrors, 
perils,  and  losses  of  the  storm  and  wreck,  and  the  child's 
tears  and  nervous  excitement  proved  too  severe  a  tax 
upon  her  strength.  She  was  brought  back  in  Dr.  Howell's 
arms,  sobbing  and  hysterical,  and  several  days  passed  be- 
fore she  regained  the  quiet  cheerfulness  which  had  been 
hers  before  this  visit.  When  she  was  again  strong  enough 
to  leave  her  chamber,  the  doctor  permitted  her  neither  to 
ride  nor  to  call  upon  Captain  Ashmead  unless  accompanied 
by  Diantha,  and  only  to  spend  an  hour  of  each  day  In  the 
parlor,  listening  to  her  patient  friend's  singing  and  playing. 
Music  had  a  most  soothing  influence  upon  Edna,  even  when 
she  was  delirious. 

Two  weeks  have  passed  since  Mrs.  Atwood  threw  off 
the  incubus  of  deceit,  confessing  her  sorrow  and  her  hu- 
miliation, and  accepting  human  help  and  sympathy ;  and 
there  is  now  more  quietude  in  her  movements,  more  soft- 
ness and  patience  in  her  eyes,  and  more  hope  in  her  face. 
She  seems  to  be  gaining  a  slight  measure  of  self-confidence, 


MAKING   PROGRESS.  119 

and  athwart  the  heavy  darkness  of  her  grief  the  rays  of 
faith's  sunshine  glimmer  faintly. 

The  doctor  and  his  daughter  have  attempted  to  offer 
little  direct  consolation  to  Mrs.  Atwood,  but  have  per- 
suaded her  to  interest  herself  in  the  trials,  sufferings,  and 
poverty  of  others,  knowing  that  such  an  interest  is  the 
best  medicine  for  her  own  aching  heart. 

She  goes  daily  to  the  Bonsecour  Home  to  bandage  and 
bathe  the  broken  limb  of  an  orphan  Scotch  boy,  and  as- 
sists poor,  overburdened  Mrs.  Jeuks  in  caring  for  her  rheu- 
matic husband  and  crippled  child ;  and  twice  every  week 
the  generous  warden  of  Hanthrop  prison  permits  her  to 
spend  a  half  hour  with  her  son. 

"Daisy,  I  have  found  employment  for  Mrs.  Atwood 
which  promises  to  enlist  her  sympathies  and  busy  her 
hands.  I  shall  give  you  the  pleasure  of  informing  her," 
said  the  doctor,  one  bright  February  morning,  when  Mrs. 
Atwood  and  her  young  charge  had  quitted  the  breakfast 
parlor. 

"I  hope,  father,  whatever  work  you  have  found  will  not 
occupy  her  so  closely,  nor  take  her  so  far  away,  as  to  pre- 
vent frequent  meetings  between  her  and  Edna." 

"  She  will  not  be  a  half  mile  from  us,  nor  a  much  greater 
distance  from  the  prison,  and  will  have  the  care  of  two 
young  children.  Their  mother,  Mrs.  Pomeroy,  is  a  patient 
of  mine,  and  has  been  wishing  for  several  months  to  pro- 
cure just  such  a  person  as  Mrs.  Atwood." 

"I  have  heard  of  a  Mrs.  Pomeroy  in  Atherton  Place, 
who  is  a  great  sufferer,  very  nervous,  fastidious,  and  diffi- 
cult to  please ;  I'm  afraid  Mrs.  Atwood  will  find  such  a 
person  unsympathetic,  and  will  get  discouraged." 

"I  have  known  Mrs.  Pomeroy  for  nearly  a  year;  she 
certainly  is  a  great  sufferer,  very  nervous,  and  somewhat 
peculiar,  as  confirmed  invalids  often  are,  but  withal  a  gen- 


120  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

erous,  conscientious  woman,  and  a  devoted  mother.  I 
have  told  her  Mrs.  Atwood's  story,  and  have  seldom  seen 
any  one  more  deeply  interested  in  a  tale  of  grief  and  mis- 
fortune than  my  patient  was.  I  prophesy  much  good  to 
both  women  from  the  relations  that  will  exist  between 
them.  The  children  have  not  been  well  managed  during 
their  mother's  illness,  and  are  a  little  boisterous  and  self- 
willed,  but  are  bright,  and  so  young  as  to  be  easily  moulded 
by  gentle,  judicious  treatment.  Mrs.  Atwood  will  be  ex- 
pected to  look  after  their  physical  wants,  and  introduce 
them  to  the  mysteries  of  spelling  and  reading.  The  chil- 
dren are  twins,  and  nearly  six  years  old.  You  may  tell 
Mrs.  Atwood  about  this  situation,  and  also  that  she  will 
receive  liberal  compensation,  and  be  treated  in  a  kindly, 
considerate,  and  lady-like  way;  and  mind,  Daisy,  it  will 
not  be  wise  to  weave  into  your  statement  of  the  case  any 
doubts  and  prejudices  of  your  own." 

"How  do  you  know  I  have  any  doubts  and  prejudices?" 
asked  Diantha,  raising  a  face  which,  in  its  delicately  chan- 
ging color,  mirrored  every  emotion  of  her  soul. 

"My  child,  your  face  is  like  an  open  book  to  me,  and  I 
can  readily  detect  in  it  anxious  misgivings  for  your  friend, 
and  a  desire  to  shield  her  from  any  new  annoyances  and 
trials.  You  must  know  that  I  don't  wish  to  secure  an  easy 
situation  for  Mrs.  Atwood ;  'tis  necessary  for  her  health  of 
mind  that  all  her  womanly  tact  and  sympathies  should  be 
in  constant  exercise.  I  thought  of  the  mental  and  physi- 
cal welfare  of  both  my  patients  when  making  this  arrange- 
ment. Mrs.  Atwood  might  have  found  employment  with 
her  needle,  or  as  nurse  at  the  Bonsecour,  but  I  considered 
the  care  of  young  children  and  the  companionship  of  a 
nervous  invalid  better  for  her." 

The  doctor  finished  his  last  sentence  while  drawing  on 
his  overcoat,  and  making  ready  for  the  professional  duties 
of  the  day. 


MAKING   PROGRESS.  121 

"Stop  a  minute,  father,  and  read  your  letters  before 
going  out.  Here's  the  boy  with  the  morning  mail  just 
coming  up  the  steps,  and  I  can't  wait  until  dinner-time  to 
know  if  there's  any  news  from  mother." 

The  doctor  looked  as  if  he  could  wait ;  he  was  not  ex- 
pecting anything  which  would  stimulate  and  strengthen 
him  for  the  labors  of  the  day;  but  he  would  not  disappoint 
Diantha. 

"  We  have  a  generous  packet  from  New  York  at  last," 
said  the  doctor,  glancing  at  his  letters ;  and  handing  Dian- 
tha one  from  Louise,  he  broke  the  seal  of  an  envelope  bear- 
ing his  wife's  superscription,  and  there  fell  from  it  a  slip, 
cut  from  a  newspaper,  containing  the  following  announce- 
ment. Dr.  Howell  picked  it  up,  and  read  aloud,  — 

"  We  learn  by  special  despatches  from  Washington  that 
Arthur  Goodenow,  Esq.,  son  of  one  of  our  most  enterpris- 
ing merchant  princes,  has  received  the  appointment  of 
secretary  to  the  French  legation.  He  will  be  expected 
to  sail  for  Europe  early  in  April.  The  appointment  re- 
flects honor  and  credit  upon  the  wisdom  and  shrewdness 
of  our  Cabinet,  as  well  as  upon  the  young  man's  brilliant 
talents." 

Dr.  Howell's  whistle  had  not  been  so  prolonged,  nor  so 
musical,  for  several  days ;  it  received  inspiration  from  his 
knowledge  of  the  large  amount  of  money  Ralph  Goodenow 
had  spent  in  awakening  the  "wisdom  and  shrewdness"  of 
the  Cabinet  to  a  perception  of  Arthur's  fitness  for  the  ap- 
pointment ;  money  had  "  pricked  the  sides  of  their  intent." 

Diantha's  face,  while  listening  to  the  paragraph,  wore 
only  a  look  of  pleased  gratification.  "  I  am  glad  for  Lou's 
sake,"  she  said.  "  If  she  really  loves  her  cousin,  his  failure 
would  have  grieved  her,  and  deferred  her  marriage  and 
the  pleasures  of  her  foreign  tour." 

"If  she  really  loves  him  — "    The  doctor  commenced  a 


122  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

sentence,  but  finished   it  with  a  low  musical  accompani- 
ment, perfectly  understood  by  his  daughter. 

"  We  have  here  a  note  of  formal  invitation  from  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Ralph  Goodenow,  soliciting  the  company  of  Dr. 
Ho  well  and  daughter  for  the  evening  of  the  17th.  You 
can  digest  that  and  your  note  from  Louise  while  I  am 
reading  your  mother's  letter." 

And  this  letter  we  shall  venture  to  insert  —  not  only  be- 
cause it  is  the  last  communication  from  Mrs.  Howell's  gil'ted 
pen  which  we  shall  have  occasion  to  read,  but  because  it 
so  truly  daguerreotypes  that  lady's  peculiar  individuality 
and  "  interior  life." 

"  NEW  YOEK,  February  9,  18—. 

"  DEAE  DOCTOR  :  You  will  see  by  the  paragraph  which  I 
cut  from  the  '  Morning  Chronicle,'  that  Arthur  has  received 
an  appointment  which  opens  for  him  a  brilliant  political 
career;  and  you  will  also  receive*  with  Diantha,  invitations 
to  a  magnificent  reception,  which  will  be  given  by  Ralph 
and  his  wife  on  the  17th,  to  announce  the  engagement  of 
their  son  and  the  distinguished  honors  our  administration 
has  conferred  upon  him.  I  did  not  tell  my  brother's 
family  of  your  impolite  declination  of  their  proposed  kind- 
ness, thinking  it  best  you  should  make  your  own  excuses, 
and  proclaim  your  indifference  to  your  step-daughter's  en- 
gagement and  your  wife's  wishes,  in  your  own  conceited 
way.  The  people  of  Hanthrop  will  know,  sooner  or  later, 
that  Dr.  Howell's  charity  and  liberality  are  garments  only 
worn  in  public  —  that  his  own  family  are  obliged  to  submit 
to  a  daily  crucifixion  of  their  tastes,  that  his  philanthropical 
measures  may  be  paraded. 

"More  than  six  hundred  invitations  have  been  issued  for 
this  party  —  not  alone  to  the  most  wealthy,  refined,  and 
elegant  of  the  fashionable  circles,  but  to  distinguished 
statesmen,  artists,  and  authors,  of  Ralph's  acquaintance.  He 


MAKING   PROGRESS.  123 

says  this  party  will  cost  him  at  least  ten  thousand  dollars; 
and  besides  giving  Arthur  a  splendid  outfit,  he  is  going  to 
make  Lou  a  bridal  present  of  ten  thousand  dollars'  worth 
of  shares  in  the  '  Feather  River  Quartz-crushing  Company.' 
The  Symphonic  Band,  probably  the  most  artistic  perform- 
ers in  America,  has  been  engaged  for  the  occasion,  and 
Ralph  has  already  ordered  over  a  thousand  dollars'  worth  of 
flowers  to  be  used  in  decorating  the  rooms.  But  you  will 
shrug  your  shoulders  when  told  of  such  generous  expendi- 
ture of  money,  and  think  only  of  the  number  of  ungrateful 
beggars  it  would  support.  You  remember  our  Saviour  re- 
buked His  disciples  when  they  intimated  that  the  alabaster 
box  of  precious  ointment '  might  have  been  sold  for  much, 
and  given  to  the  poor;'  and  that  rebuke  has  always  clearly 
indicated  to  my  mind  that  our  Lord  is  pleased  when  we 
spend  our  means  in  the  cultivation  of  elegant  tastes.  Of 
course  a  man  who  dares  not  incur  a  debt  of  thirteen  thou- 
sand dollars  will  look  at  everything  from  the  same  narrow, 
utilitarian  stand-point  as  did  the  uneducated  fishermen  of 
Galilee.  I  was  foolish  enough  for  a  few  hours  to  hope  your 
own  pecuniary  interest  would  stimulate  you  to  buy  a  house 
where  I  could  invite  my  friends  without  a  blush,  and 
where  I  could  be  surrounded  by  those  evidences  of  taste 
and  culture  which  are  so  vitally  essential  to  a  refined 
nature  ;  but  my  twenty  years'  familiarity  with  your  narrow 
notions  and  prejudices  should  have  taught  me  wisdom,  and 
saved  me  the  pain  of  a  refusal  from  one  who  never  under- 
stood me.  You  have  looked  at  life  only  through  your  pro- 
fessional eyes,  and,  as  a  matter  of  course,  have  become  blind 
to  the  requirements  of  polite  society.  I  trust  after  my 
dear  Lou's  marriage  I  shall  never  be  obliged  to  humiliate 
myself  by  begging  favors  of  one  who  cannot  appreciate  my 
delicate  tastes.  Ralph  says  I  may  reasonably  hope  my 
small  capital  will  increase  with  such  rapidity  as  to  warrant 


124  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

me  in  purchasing  a  house  before  Lou  returns  from  Europe, 
where  the  mother  of  one  connected  with  our  most  fashion- 
able as  well  as  our  most  distinguished  political  circles  can 
receive  her  daughter  with  becoming  style. 

"If  Di  accepts  Mrs.  Goodenow's  invitation,  you  must 
give  her  at  least  one  hundred  dollars  for  the  party  dress, 
which  will  be  indispensable ;  and  much  as  I  want  my  dear 
girl  should  have  a  taste  of  such  innocent  pleasures  as  other 
young  people  enjoy,  I  shall  be  ashamed  to  introduce  her  to 
Ralph's  family  unless  she  comes  with  a  new  cloak  and  two 
new  dresses.  Even  if  she  has  every  advantage  that  dress 
can  give  her,  she  will  be  a  striking  contrast  to  Louise  — 
poor  Di !  she  is  so  wanting  in  style. 

"  We  shall  return  to  Hanthrop  before  the  25th,  and  shall 
make  ready  during  Lent  for  Lou's  marriage  and  departure 
for  Europe.  Both  events  will  probably  occur  before  the 
10th  of  April.  Arthur  will  go  to  Washington  to  receive 
his  instructions  immediately  after  the  engagement  party, 
and  will  probably  remain  there  until  the  last  of  March. 
With  love  to  Di  and  Stephen, 

I  am  yours,  as  ever, 

MART  G.  HOWELL." 

The  doctor  read  aloud  those  paragraphs  of  his  wife's 
letter  referring  to  Arthur's  appointment,  the  party,  and 
Diantha,  but  wisely  withheld  from  his  daughter  her  moth- 
er's severe  and  unjust  criticisms  upon  himself.  Yet  there 
was  a  minor  note  of  almost  inexpressible  sadness  in  his 
tones,  revealing  to  Diantha's  quick  ear  his  disappointment 
and  his  wound. 

Never  had  his  large  and  generous  heart  craved  human 
sympathy  more  than  at  this  crisis.  His  affections  had  long 
since  reached  the  summit  of  that  trellis  which  his  wife's 
cold,  calculating  worldliness  presented,  and  now  held  out 


MAKING    PROGEESS.  125 

tendrils,  eager  for  that  supporting  love  so  necessary  to  the 
growth  and  development  of  every  man's  as  well  as  every 
woman's  life.  Our  hearts,  like  our  intellects,  demand 
sustenance,  else  they  become  dwarfed  and  shrivelled. 
Give  us  an  earthly  love  sufficiently  true,  pure,  and  no- 
ble, and  our  hearts  expand  and  deepen,  our  charities  be- 
come broader,  our  labors  sweeter,  and  our  lives  richer;  and 
when  this  earthly  love  fails  to  reach  us  in  our  own  homes, 
the  greatest  honor  and  reverence  are  due  to  those  who 
seek  not  the  sacrament  God  has  ordained  for  our  human 
needs,  outside  the  channels  He  has  blessed.  But  Dr. 
Howell's  soul  had  climbed  to  true  greatness  by  forgetting 
self,  by  helping  others,.and  by  drawing  inspiration  from  the 
springs  of  Infinite  Love;  and  only  when  freshly  pained  and 
wounded  by  his  wife's  coldness  and  wilful  misinterpreta- 
tion of  his  motives  was  he  keenly  conscious  of  his  loss. 

Diantha  was  the  first  to  speak  when  the  reading  of  the 
letter  was  completed. 

"  Dear  father,  I  shall  not  go  to  New  York." 

"Why,  Daisy,  what  excuse  can  you  offer?  This  is  the 
10th  —  isn't  there  time  enough  for  Madame  Lavitte  to  gc-t 
up  a  cloak  and  two  new  dresses  in  a  style  sufficiently 
magnificent  to  be  seen  by  the  cultivated  circles  of  New 
York  ?"  There  was  not  only  sadness  in  the  doctor's  tones, 
but  a  bitterness  and  sarcasm  never  heard  when  the  better 
part  of  his  nature  was  triumphant. 

"I'm  afraid  my  wardrobe  would  hardly  be  satisfactory 
to  mother — and  I  know  your  purse  will  be  heavily  taxed 
for  the  wedding  festivities  ;  but  more  than  all,  I  could  not 
be  happy  to  leave  you  and  Edna,  now  you  need  me  more 
than  mother  does." 

"  Daisy,  make  your  choice  in  this  matter  without  con- 
sidering the  tax  upon  my  purse.  In  disposing  of  my  in- 
come, I  always  lay  aside  a  sufficient  sum  for  exigencies, 


126  DR.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

and  can  now  give  you  the  required  amount  without  making 
any  great  sacrifice.  Your  mother  may  be  more  than  half 
right  when  she  accuses  me  of  illiberal  notions ;  and  if  the 
peculiar  duties  of  my  profession  have  made  me  narrow  and 
conceited,  I  don't  want  my  child's  life  to  be  warped  and 
colored  by  my  mistakes.  You  have  earned  a  holiday  by 
your  faithful  attendance  on  Edna,  and  I  can  make  some 
arrangement  by  which  Mrs.  Atwood  can  remain  here 
during  your  absence.  Daisy,  tell  me  if  this  journey  would 
give  you  pleasure,  if  you  knew  I  could  afford  the  expense 
of  it." 

"  To  see  New  York,  and  to  visit  mother's  relatives  in  a 
quiet  way,  will  be  very  agreeable  when  I  am  in  the  mood ; 
but  to  be  perfectly  candid,  father,  I  don't  think  mother  or 
Lou  have  expressed  much  heartiness  in  wishing  me  to  join 
them.  And  you  know  there  is  to  be  a  descent  of  style  and 
grandeur  upon  our  modest  home,  sufficient  to  liberalize  the 
most  depraved  narrowness  —  so  I  need  not  go  to  New 
York  for  breadth  and  clearness  of  vision." 

"  Then  stay  at  home,  Daisy,  and  we'll  prepare  some 
pleasant  surprises  for  your  mother  by  rejuvenating  her 
chamber  and  the  parlor  with  fresh  paper  and  paint ;  and 
perhaps  by  declining  the  New  York  invitations  we  can 
afford  to  buy  a  new  parlor  carpet." 

"  If  we  could,"  exclaimed  Diantha,  her  face  radiant  and 
flushing  with  pleasure,  "  it  would  be  worth  more  than  all 
New  York  to  me  ! " 

"Extravagant!"  said  the  doctor,  touching  her  flushed 
cheeks;  but  he  carried  a  lighter  heart  to  his  professional 
duties  that  winter  day,  because  of  Diantha's  tender  love, 
and  because  of  her  appreciation  of  his  motives  and  her 
hearty  cooperation  in  his  work. 


THE    MORNING    VISITOR.  127 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

THE    MORNING    VISITOR. 

"  Her  air,  her  smile,  her  motions  told 

Of  womanly  completeness; 
A  music  as  of  household  songs 
Was  in  her  voice  of  sweetness." 

WHITTIKR. 

"  To  what  purpose  cometh  there  to  me  incense  from  Sheba?  and  the  sweet 
cane  from  a  far  country  ?  " 

"Miss  HOWELL,  I  shall  carry  the  remembrance  of  that 
anthem  with  me  to  the  bleak  country  parsonage  where 
your  father  says  I  must  spend  the  next  three  months,"  said 
Captain  Ashmead,  when  Diantha  rose  from  the  piano. 
She  had  just  finished  singing  for  him  the  air  from  Men- 
delssohn's Elijah,  "  O,  rest  in  the  Lord  ;  wait  patiently  for 
Him."  Her  own  faith  found  expression  in  the  words  and. 
music;  and  no  wonder  her  voice,  always  tenderly  sweet 
and  thrilling,  had  left  an  echo  in  the  captain's  heart,  espe- 
cially when  we  remember  that  his  ears  had  been  more 
familiar  with  the  creaking  of  cordage  and  the  roar  of 

O  O 

breakers  than   with  the  sound  of  a  piano  or  a  woman's 
voice. 

The  captain  had  prolonged  his  first  call  much  beyond 
conventional  limits  before  he  asked  for  music ;  but  Dr. 
HowelFs  parlor  —  rejuvenated  with  a  delicately  tinted  pa- 
per and  a  new  Brussels  carpet,  whose  richly-blended  colors 
harmonized  with  the  paper,  and  a  few  modern  articles  of 


128  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

furniture,  which  had  been  purchased  as  a  peace-offering  — 
looked  so  bright  that  any  one  might  well  be  excused  for 
lingering,  even  had  the  room  possessed  no  other  attraction 
than  its  pretty  paper,  bright  carpet,  and  pleasant  pictures. 
But  when  a  dainty  little  girl  sat  upon  a  low  stool  by  his 
side,  leaning  upon  him  with  child-like  trust  and  affection, 
and  raising  to  him  eyes  that  shone  with  truth  and  inno- 
cence, listening  to  him  with  a  rare  commingling  of  child- 
ish simplicity  and  womanly  intelligence,  any  man  might 
have  sinned  against  the  laws  of  etiquette,  and  remained 
almost  unconscious  of  the  lapsing  hours.  Edna  Shreve's 
affection  for  Captain  Ashmead  was  heightened  by  the 
feeling  that  he  was  the  only  connecting  link  between  her 
new  and  her  old  life. 

But  aside  from  the  agreeable  features  of  the  room,  and 
the  charming  artlessness  of  the  child  who  leaned  upon 
him,  there  sat  opposite  him  one  who  seemed  to  the  honest 
captain  complete  in  gracefulness  and  intelligence;  whose 
low  voice  had  sweetest  music  for  him,  and  whose  every 
word,  look,  and  movement  were  garnered  in  his  heart 
with  a  miserly  eagerness  known  only  to  strong  natures 
that  have  not  been  stirred  by  deep  passions  until  near  the 
noontide  of  life.  Captain  Ashmead  was  past  thirty,  and 
had  been  in  port  so  few  months  since  he  was  a  boy,  that 
lie  knew  comparatively  little  of  woman's  society,  until  the 
wreck  of  the  Stella  brought  him  into  friendly  relations  with 
the  doctor's  daughter;  and  alas!  this  very  wreck,  which 
awakened  him  to  such  sweet  possibilities,  had  also  deprived 
him  of  the  power  to  ask  any  woman  for  her  love.  The 
cruel,  grasping  waves  had  swallowed  all  the  captain's 
means ;  and  without  a  home,  without  employment  even, 
and  crippled  !  He  dared  not  dwell  for  a  moment  on  his 
losses;  but  looking  at  Diantha  Howell,  whose  hands  were 
busied  with  a  bit  of  sewing,  which  gave  her  brown  eyes 


THE   MORNING   VISITOB.  129 

an  excuse  for  rarely  meeting  his,  and  whose  fitful  color  be- 
trayed the  quickness  and  delicacy  of  her  perceptions,  as 
well  as  the  truth  and  modesty  of  her  character ;  whose 
purity,  strength,  and  self-forgetfulness  had  cheered  the 
long  weeks  of  his  hospital  life,  he  said  again  and  again  to 
himself,  that  a  man  should  thank  God  for  having  known 
such  a  woman  as  Diantha  Ho  well ;  that  his  own  life  should 
be  purer  and  richer  in  thought  and  deed  for  the  knowl- 
edge he  had  gleaned  from  her. 

Possibly  the  remembrance  of  his  poverty  gave  him 
strength  and  courage  to  leave  the  charming  room  ;  and  if 
that  remembrance  did  not  bring  his  thoughts  down  from 
the  golden  possibilities  to  the  leaden-colored  realities  of 
life,  the  crutch  which  Edna  sprang  to  give  him,  when  he 
said  he  must  go,  was  powerful  enough  to  sweep  the  clouds 
from  his  vision. 

"  Miss  Hovvell,  I  have  no  excuse  to  offer  for  the  length 
of  my  call,  excepting  my  selfish  forgetfulness  of  everything 
but  pleasure  in  your  conversation  and  music,"  said  the 
captain,  with  honest  bluntness. 

Diantha's  reply  was  somewhat  stammering  and  incohe- 
rent ;  but  Captain  Ashmead  inferred  from  the  tenor  of  it 
that  he  had  not  transgressed  beyond  the  hope  of  pardon. 

"  We  lunch  at  one  o'clock,  and  father  sometimes  favors 
us  with  a  call  at  that  hour.  Will  a  bit  of  cold  chicken  and 
the  hope  of  seeing  your  doctor  tempt  you  to  stay  ?  " 

"  I  need  no  temptation  beyond  the  charm  of  your  pres- 
ence and  that  of  my  little  friend ;  but  as  mine  is  to  be  a 
life  of  self-denial,  I  may  as  well  begin  by  resigning  the  cold 
chicken  to-day." 

It  would  have  been  almost  amusing  to  see  two  such 
honest  natures  attempting  to  throw  up  a  flimsy  barrier  of 
defence  with  commonplaces,  had  there  not  been  a  minor 
note  of  pathetic  sadness  woven  through  the  playfulness. 
9 


130  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  How  soon  will  you  leave  the  Bonsecour  ?  "  asked 
Diantha. 

"  To-morrow.  I  go  to  my  sister  Elinor's  parsonage ; 
mother  has  a  home  with  her.  This  will  be  my  last  chance 
to  thank  you,  Miss  Howell,  for  all  your  kindness  to  a  ship- 
wrecked stranger,  and  words  do  not  flow  easily  now  that 
I  wish  to  speak  of  my  indebtedness  and  gratitude ;  but 
there  may  come  a  time  when  I  shall  be  able  to  show  in 
deeds  my  appreciation  of  your  father's  generous  services 
and  your  own  kind  attentions." 

"Think  no  more  of  them,  Captain  Ashmead.  Father 
and  I  have  only  done  what  you  would  in  similar  circum- 
stances ;  and  we  have  already  received  our  compensation 
in  seeing  you  at  peace  with  God,  and  waiting  patiently  for 
Him.  Shall  you  go  to  sea  again  ?  " 

"  That  question  is  almost  constantly  before  me ;  but  I 
cannot  answer  it  yet,  because  my  plans  for  the  future  are 
so  undefined.  The  sea  has  lost  its  charm  for  me,  and  an 
eager  hankering  for  a  home  on  shore  has  taken  possession 
of  my  thoughts.  The  perils  of  a  seafaring  life,  its  depri- 
vations, and  its  limited  usefulness,  have  appeared  in  a  dif- 
ferent light  since  Christ  has  mercifully  roused  me  from 
the  apathetic  indifference  that  clouded  my  life  before  the 
wreck.  I  shrink  from  the  isolation,  and  from  all  the  asso- 
ciations of  my  past  life,  and  would  gladly  engage  in  some 
business  which  would  enable  me.  to  serve  my  fellow-men 
more  efficiently  than  I  could  on  shipboard,  and  during 
those  short  stays  in  port,  when  the  captain  of  a  ship  must 
necessarily  be  much  engaged  with  the  lading  and  unlading 
of  his  vessel.  Dr.  Howell  says  I  must  make  my  rela- 
tives in  Vermont  a  long  visit  before  laying  plans  for  my 
future,  and  meantime  trust  that  God  will  open  a  path  of 
usefulness  before  me.  If  I  should  visit  Hanthrop  again, 
may  I  venture  to  call  as  a  friend,  now  that  I  have  no 
longer  any  claims  upon  your  sympathy  as  an  invalid  ?  " 


THE   MOKNING    VISITOR.  131 

"  We  shall  always  be  glad  to  see  you ;  and  you  know 
father  wishes  you  to  regard  yourself,  jointly  with  him,  as 
Edna's  guardian.  You  must  come  to  see  your  little  ward 
as  often  as  possible." 

"  I'm  afraid  my  guardianship  will  be  of  little  use  to  Edna 
for  a  long  time ;  but  I  shall  always  be  interested  in  the  child, 
whose  brightness  and  delicacy  impressed  me  so  deeply  when 
I  first  met  her  amongst  the  filthy  and  disgusting  crowds 
that  swarm  upon  the  wharves  of  Smyrna.  She  seemed  like 
a  sweet  New  England  wild-flower  in  a  garden  overgrown 
with  poisonous  weeds  — her  purity  and  innocence  weaving 
around  her  an  invincible  armor;"  and  the  captain  laid  a 
hand  upon  the  curls  that  clustered  around  Edna's  fair 
forehead,  and  looked  again  into  her  upraised  eyes,  brim- 
ming with  affectionate  gratitude. 

"  Dr.  Howell  tells  me  he  hopes  to  keep  Edna  with  you 
for  the  present,"  added  Captain  Ashmead. 

"  Yes ;  and  if  mother  approves,  our  house  will  always  be 
her  home." 

"  I  wish  Edna's  mother  might  have  had  a  vision  of  this 
home  during  that  last  awful  .night  when  death  hovered 
around  the  poor  Stella's  disabled  hull ;  and  yet  I  doubt  if 
she  needed  it ;  there  was  no  lack  of  faith  in  her  voice  while 
she  had  strength  to  sing  —  "  Edna  did  not  wait  for  the 
captain  to  finish  his  sentence,  but  kissing  the  hand  which 
she  had  clasped  in  both  her  own,  she  dropped  it  and  ran 
hastily  from  the  room. 

"  Have  I  injured  the  child  by  my  heedless  allusions 
to  the  wreck  and  to  her  mother  ? "  asked  the  dismayed 
captain. 

"  She  is  easily  overcome,  and  we  shield  her  as  much  as 
possible  from  exciting  causes.  She  will  soon  recover  from 
this." 

"  I  should  have  been  more  guarded  in  my  speech ;  but 


132  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

you  must  remember  I  have  seen  little  of  women  and  chil- 
dren :  my  life  has  been  spent  with  rough,  blunt  sailors. 
Will  you  attempt  my  vindication  with  Edna?" 

For  answer  Diantha  placed  her  hand  in  the  large,  shapely 
one  outstretched  by  the  captain.  It  was  retained  a  minute; 
then,  with  a  scarcely  articulate  "  God  bless  you,"  the  fail- 
hand  was  carried  to  his  lips,  flung  hastily  from  him,  and  the 
proudly  sensitive,  honorable  man  passed  from  the  room. 

Diantha  remained  standing,  veiled  in  the  bright  color 
which  her  friend's  unexpected  salute  had  brought  to  her 
face  and  throat,  listening  to  the  sound  of  his  crutch  as  he 
walked  down  the  brick-paved  path  to  the  carriage  that 
awaited  him ;  and  when  the  sound  of  the  crutch  was  no 
longer  heard,  she  listened  to  the  voice  in  her  heart,  which 
persistently  asked,  Why  this  confusion  because  of  so  trifling 
a  thing  as  a  kiss  left  upon  her  hand  by  a  grateful  man  ? 
Why  this  sorrow  and  regret  in  parting  from  one  whom 
she  had  known  scarcely  two  months?  What  meant  the 
new  zest  and  rich  flavor  which  the  wreck  of  the  Stella  had 
brought  to  her  life  ?  "  To  what  purpose  cometh  there  to 
me  incense  from  Sheba,  and  the  sweet  cane  from  a  far 
country  ?  "  questioned  the  maiden  ;  and  standing  there,  she 
confessed  to  herself  that  nevermore  should  she  lose  the 
consciousness  of  Captain  Ashmead's  touch  upon  her  hand  — 
nevermore  pass  from  out  the  sunshine  of  the  honest,  manly 
love  she  had  seen  in  his  eyes.  Then  Diantha  laid  the  sweet 
knowledge  away  in  her  heart,  vowing  that  its  perfume 
should  enrich  her  whole  life,  even  if  Captain  Ashmead  was 
never  in  a  position  where  he  could  speak  more  plainly  than 
he  had  to-day,  and  took  up  the  work  which  she  had  dropped 
to  give  her  hand  to  her  friend  in  parting,  softly  smiling 
when  she  thought  of  the  honor  that  little  member  had  re- 
ceived, and  the  significance  and  sacredness  it  had  added  to 
her  life.  And  if  that  hand  could  minister  more  heartily  to 


THE    MOKNING   VISITOR.  133 

the  needs  of  others  than  it  had  hitherto  —  if  it  could  be 
purer  and  more  unselfish  —  her  heart  had  received  the  stim- 
ulus which  would  inspire  and  strengthen  it. 

Not  many  minutes  did  Diantha  brood  over  her  new  hap- 
piness, while  her  swift  needle  fashioned  a  garment  for  Mrs. 
Jenks's  crippled  Susie,  when,  remembering  Edna's  freshly- 
wounded  heart,  she  flew  to  the  child's  chamber  to  dry  her 
tears  and  apply  balm  to  her  bruises. 

"  I'm  so  sorry  to  have  him  go ! "  sobbed  Edna,  when 
Diantha  raised  her  from  the  couch  where  she  had  thrown 
herself  in  the  passion  of  her  grief.  "He  is  the  only  one 
who  knew  mamma  and  Nathan,  and  I  never  thanked  him 
for  all  his  goodness  to  them,  and  I  didn't  say  good  by.'* 

"  Never  mind  now,  Edna ;  I'm  sure  Captain  Ashmead 
knows  you  are  grateful.  He  went  away  feeling  sadly  be- 
cause he  had  wounded  you,  and  he  asked  me  to  excuse  his 
want  of  thought  to  you." 

"  He  didn't  mean  to  hurt  me ;  but  when  he  spoke  so  of 
mamma's  singing,  and  I  thought  how  she  used  to  sing  the 
dear  old  hymns  and  ballads  on  the  deck  of  the  Stella,  and 
Captain  Ashmead  used  to  listen  and  thank  her,  and  the 
sailors  would  cheer,  and  Nathan  and  I  were  so  proud  of 
her,  —  O,  it  was  quite  too  much,  and  I  had  to  run  quickly 
from  the  room  to  prevent  Captain  Ashmead  from  seeing 
my  tears.  He  must  think  me  so  ungrateful  and  rude ! " 

"  No ;  he  thought  you  were  a  sensitive  little  girl,  whose 
heart  was  still  full  of  love  for  the  dear  lost  mamma  and 
brother,  and  whose  tears  were  always  ready  to  flow  when 
you  thought  of  your  griefs.  But  wipe  them  away  now,  Edna, 
and  let  me  tell  you  of  something  you  can  do  to  show  your 
friend  how  kindly  you  feel  for  him,  and  how  gratefully  you 
remember  all  he  did  for  your  mamma.  First,  you  can 
write  him  a  letter,  and  tell  what  you  had  not  strength  to 
say  before  he  left ;  and  then  I  will  teach  you  to  embroider 


134  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

him  a  pair  of  slippers,  that  will  remind  him  of  his  little 
friend  every  time  he  wears  them." 

Diantha's  sunny  cheerfulness  was  contagious,  and  Edna 
was  soon  smiling  through  her  tears ;  but  there  was  still  a 
quiver  in  her  voice  when  she  asked, — 

"  Will  Captain  Ashmead  come  here  again  ?  " 

"  I  dare  say  he  will.  You  are  his  ward,  and  of  course 
he'll  come  to  see  how  fast  you  are  improving.  I  have  not 
told  you  yet  that  papa  says  I  may  give  you  music  lessons 
next  week,  and  that  we  may  begin  to  read  French  together 
as  soon  as  we  please." 

Nothing  more  was  needed  to  complete  the  child's  victory 
over  her  tears ;  smiles  were  triumphant  as  soon  as  she 
heard  of  the  permission  to  learn  music  of  her  friend. 

"  Now  bathe  your  eyes  and  face  in  cold  water,  and  we'll 
go  out  for  a  walk.  There'll  be  time  enough,  if  you  are 
quick,  to  carry  the  apron  you  made  to  Susie  Jenks.  I 
shall  be  ready  in  the  parlor  when  you  come  down." 

And  the  two  were  soon  walking  as  briskly  towards  Mrs. 
Jenks's,  and  talking  as  cheerily  as  if  the  wreck  of  the  Stella 
had  woven  into  their  lives  only  golden  threads. 

Dr.  Howell  could  not  help  observing,  with  some  sur- 
prise and  annoyance,  it  must  be  confessed,  a  shade  of  new 
and  tender  meaning  in  his  daughter's  face  —  an  indescrib- 
able grace  and  self-reliance,  that  told  him  her  heart  and 
brain  had  gleaned  a  knowledge  which  would  transfigure 
her  whole  life. 

And  when  they  were  left  alone  in  the  twilight,  and  she 
described  to  him,  with  averted  eyes  and  tell-tale  color 
Captain  Ashmead's  call,  he  exclaimed,  with  a  sigh,  — 

"  My  Daisy !  my  field-flower !  has 

'  She  too  received  her  sacramental  gift 
With  eucharistic  meanings  '  ?  " 


THE    MORNING    VISITOR.  135 

For  answer,  Diantha  only  hid  her  blushing  face. 

"  I  have  so  constantly  thought  of  you  as  consecrated  to 
our  Master's  work,  that  perhaps  I  have  not  been  careful 
enough  to  shield  you  from  such  knowledge  as  has  come  to 
you  to-day ;  and  yet  it  would  have  been  selfish  in  me  to 
rob  your  life  of  the  pure  and  elevating  stimulus  a  great 
love  gives.  But,  Daisy,  I  have  some  little  consolation  in 
remembering  that  Captain  Ashmead  has  no  home  to  oifer 
you ;  that  many  months,  even  years,  must  pass  before  he 
can  prove  himself  worthy  of  keeping  such  a  treasure.  Will 
you  be  content  to  work  with  me,  and  be,  as  you  have  been 
so  many  years,  the  delight  and  solace  of  my  life,  until  I  am 
satisfied  that  whoever  claims  your  love  is  worthy '?  " 

In  the  fulness  of  her  trust,  and  with  that  self-forgetful- 
ness  which  was  the  charm  and  crown  of  her  life,  Diantha 
promised. 


136  DB.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER    XV. 

MBS.   HOWELL'S   BETUBN. 

"  No  pleader  can  prevail 
"Who  prays  against  the  laws  of  lime  or  Fate; 
No  matter  how  we  murmur  and  bewail, 
The  robius  will  not  build  in  winter  hail, 
Nor  lilacs  bloom  in  February.    Wait." 

ELIZABETH  AKEBS. 

IT  was  Ash-TVednesday —  a  soft,  spring-like  day,  that 
was  sapping  the  heart  of  the  few  lingering  snow-banks, 
and  causing  the  buds  of  the  maples  and  lindens  to  swell 
with  a  new,  mystical  life.  Mrs.  Howell  had  given  her 
husband  and  daughter  reason  to  expect  her  as  soon  as  the 
fashionable  world  paused  for  religious  and  physical  recu- 
peration, and  therefore  the  doctor's  house  had  been  made 
as  attractive  as  loving  though tfulness  and  willing  hands 
could  make  it,  in  anticipation  of  the  return  of  its  mistress. 

Flowers  filled  the  parlor  with  fragrance,  and  a  dainty 
neatness,  a  pleasing  harmony  of  colors,  a  home-like  air  of 
comfort  and  peace  glowed  and  sparkled,  and  held  out  in- 
visible hands  of  welcome. 

If  the  doctor  was  conscious  of  a  lack  of  spontaneous,  out- 
gushing  love  for  his  wife,  he  was  the  more  keenly  watchful 
in  bestowing  upon  her  every  delicate  attention  which  duty 
could  suggest;  his  noble  nature  paid  all  due  honor  and 
reverence  to  the  mother  of  his  children,  and  the  woman  he 
had  promised  to  cherish.  But  Dr.  Howell 


MKS.  HOWELL'S  RETURX.  137 

"  Loved  largely,  as  a  man  can  love, 
Who,  baffled  in  his  love,  dares  live  his  life, 
Accept  the  ends  which  God  loves  for  his  own, 
And  lift  a  constant  aspect." 

Mrs.  Ralph  Goodenow  did  not  receive  company  daring 
Lent.  She  frankly  confessed  that  why  forty  days  of  ball- 
giving  and  opera-going  should  be  given  up  at  this  season 
was  incomprehensible  to  her.  She  had  a  vague  impression 
that  her  church  intended  to  commemorate  our  Saviour's 
forty  days'  fast,  or,  it  might  be,  the  forty  years'  wandering 
of  the  Israelites  in  the  wilderness,  —  she  was  not  sure;  but 
she  did  know  that  a  close  observance  of  the  fasts,  and  at- 
tendance on  all  the  lectures  and  religious  ceremonies  which 
had  the  sanction  and  authority  of  the  church,  and  which 
Dr.  Mintwell  recommended  as  appropriate  and  becoming, 
would  make  life  a  wilderness  for  her. 

Mrs.  Howell  and  Louise  not  only  needed  this  season  for 
rest  and  preparation  for  that  heaven  to  which  they  trusted 
the  church  would  finally  raise  them,  but  they  also  required 
the  time  to  prepare  for  Lou's  marriage  and  journey  to 
Paris  —  an  elysium  much  more  real  to  them  than  the 
Eternal  City.  And  so  on  Ash-Wednesday  they  came,  not 
exactly  in  the  garments  of  humiliation,  and  with  the  sym- 
bol of  repentance  upon  their  foreheads,  but  in  handsome 
travelling  dresses,  made  in  the  latest  New  York  style,  and 
with  an  extra  trunk,  nearly  as  large  as  a  bureau,  containing 
those  evidences  of  enlarged  and  liberalized  ideas  which 
they  had  gleaned  by  a  sojourn  of  two  months  in  the  me- 
tropolis. 

No  wonder  Mrs.  Howell  held  Diantha's  fair  face  in  both 
her  gloved  hands  for  a  minute  after  she  had  lightly  touched 
it  with  her  lips,  and  no  wonder  the  mother's  haughty  ex- 
pression softened  as  she  gazed. 

"  You  are  a  true  field-daisy,  as  your  father  says.     Isn't 


138  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

Di  improving  in  looks  ?  "  asked  Mrs.  Howell  of  her  eldest 
daughter. 

"  She  is  looking  uncommonly  well ;  but  she's  more  like 
a  red  rose  than  a  daisy  just  now.  Di's  color  never  did  re- 
main two  minutes  the  same,"  answered  Miss  Goodenow, 
saluting  her  half-sister  with  graceful  and  conventional  pro- 
priety. But  there  never  was  a  "  war  of  the  roses  "  in  Miss 
Goodeuow's  face ;  no  matter  what  her  mental  or  physical 
state  might  be,  her  color  had  the  unchangingly  artistic 
tint  most  in  harmony  with  her  hair  and  eyes,  and  persis- 
tently and  triumphantly  held  its  sway  over  those  moods, 
tempers,  and  atmospheric  changes  which  affect  the  color 
of  ordinary  mortals. 

"  Really,  Di,  you  should  remember  ma  has  travelled  over 
a  hundred  miles  to-day,  and  not  keep  her  standing  so  long. 
One  would  suppose  we  had  been  gone  two  years  instead  of 
two  months,  you  greet  us  with  such  boisterous  heartiness," 
added  the  young  lady,  with  that  air  and  tone  of  authority 
which  is  indigenous  to  some  natures,  and  acquired  by  many 
others  after  intimate  familiarity  with  the  best  society. 

"  I'm  so  glad  to  see  you  both ! "  was  Diantha's  only  ex- 
cuse for  her  hearty  gi*eeting;  and  while  she  aided  in  un- 
fastening veils,  ribbons,  and  cloaks,  and  in  the  disposing 
of  satchels  and  parcels,  she  seized  every  favoring  chance  to 
express  her  gladness  with  an  embrace. 

Diantha's  helpful  hands  did  not  prevent  her  from  seeing 
the  cold  scrutiny  with  which  both  ladies  turned  their  eyes 
upon  the  freshened  walls  and  new  carpet,  though  neither 
of  them  seemed  to  think  the  care  and  money  which  had 
been  expended  to  give  them  a  pleasant  welcome  worthy 
of  comment. 

a  If  father  had  known  you  were  coming  by  this  train,  he 
would  have  managed  his  affairs  so  as  to  meet  you ;  but  he 
thought  you  would  not  arrive  until  later  in  the  day ;  and 


MRS.  HOWKLL'S  RETURN.  139 

he's  so  very  busy  since  scarlet  fever  has  been  raging  in 
Hanthrop,  that  I'm  afraid  he'll  not  come  home  till  after  he 
has  been  to  the  depot  to  meet  the  five  o'clock  express  train." 

"Ay,  well,  'business  before  friends'  has  always  been  his 
motto.  "  I  did  not  expect  to  see  him  until  the  dinner- 
hour  ; "  and  Mrs.  Ilowell  sighed,  as  if  she  were  taking  up 
a  heavy  burden  of  blighted  hopes. 

"  However,  we  shall  have  time  to  rest  and  dress  before 
dinner,"  the  lady  addeu,  with  a  tone  that  plainly  said  the 
bitterest  cup  may  have  drops  of  sweetness ;  and,  Di,  you 
may  tell  Jane  to  make  a  cup  of  coffee,  and  send  it  to  my 
room,  and  ask  Ellen  to  come  and  assist  you  in  carrying  up 
these  parcels." 

Diantha  ran  from  room  to  room,  executing  orders,  and 
anticipating  wants,  and  trying  to  infuse  the  spirit  of  her 
own  glad,  cheerful  content  into  the  hearts  of  others ;  and 
when  Mrs.  Ilowell  and  Louise  expressed  a  desire  for  quiet 
and  rest  before  preparing  for  dinner,  she  went  to  the  sunny 
chamber  where  her  little  pupil,  Edna  Shreve,  waited  for 
her  teacher  and  her  hour  of  French  reading. 

"I've  been  delayed  by  the  arrival  of  mamma  and  Lou- 
ise," said  Diantha,  coming  to  Edna's  side,  and  kissing  the 
pale  face  upraised  to  hers,  with  such  wistful  tenderness  in 
its  expression. 

"  I  knew  they  had  come ;  I  saw  the  carriage,  and  the 
trunks,  and  the  ladies ;  but  I  did  not  see  their  faces,  though 
I  heard  their  voices  in  the  hall.  You  must  be  very  glad 
they've  come." 

"O,  yes,  I'm  pleased  to  see  them;  they've  been  gone 
two  months,  and  so  much  has  happened  since  they  went 
away  that  the  weeks  have  seemed  strangely  long." 

The  tones  of  Diantha's  voice  and  the  language  of  her 
eyes  revealed  the  secret  of  that  "so  much,"  which  had  col- 
ored with  tropical  brightness  the  bleak  New  England  win- 


140  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

ter,  filling  her  heart  with  a  new,  sweet  life,  and  so  bridging 
time  and  space  that  it  seemed  strange  to  the  maiden  how 
such  wealth  of  bloom  could  be  the  growth  of  two  short 
months. 

"  Now  that  I  think  of  it,  Edna,  I  must  ask  you  never  to 
suppose  I  am  unmindful  of  you,  or  loving  you  less,  if  I 
should  sometimes  seem  to  neglect  you  while  my  sister  is 
at  home.  She  will  be  married  in  about  six  weeks,  and  will 
go  away  to  France,  and  of  course  we  shall  all  be  very  busy. 
Mamma  will  be  so  occupied  with  her  daughter's  marriage 
that  perhaps  she  will  seem  to  take  little  interest  in  you ; 
but  you  must  not  let  any  indifference  or  neglect  at  this 
time  wound  you.  Try  to  be  as  cheerful  and  helpful  as 
possible,  and  I  will  manage  to  find  time  for  the  lessons, 
and  a  nice  walk  each  day,  and  all  my  sewing  and  drawing 
shall  be  done  in  this  room,  and  there'll  be  letters  for  you 
to  write  to  Captain  Ashmead,  and  drives  with  papa,  and 
calls  on  my  poor  people.  With  so  many  pleasures,  I'm 
sure  my  little  girl  will  be  brave,  and  bright,  and  happy." 

"  I  shall  try  to  be,  if  you  and  Dr.  Howell  will  only  love 
me."  Edna,  like  many  older  persons,  felt  the  want 

"  of  one  kind  heart, 
To  love  what's  well,  and  to  forgive  what's  ill." 

"  You  may  always  be  sure  of  our  love ;  and  now  we'll 
have  the  French  reading  and  the  English  history,  and  then 
we  must  dress  neatly  for  dinner.  Mamma  is  fastidious 
about  one's  personal  appearance  and  manners,  and  we'll 
try  to  please  her,  even  in  little  things,  because,  you  know, 
these  every-day  trifles  make  up  the  sum  of  our  lives ;  op- 
portunities for  great  service  rarely  occur,  and  therefore  we 
should  be  the  more  watchful  to  render  little  kindnesses." 

But  the  French  and  history  were  doomed  to  a  most  un- 
scholarly  ending  on  this  particular  Wednesday,  by  the 


MRS.  HOWELL'S  RETURN.  141 

corning  of  Stephen  Howell,  Jr.,  who  burst  into  his  sister's 
room,  tossed  up  and  scattered  the  books  and  papers,  lifted 
Edna  from  her  chair,  and  seated  her  on  the  writing-table ; 
and  before  Diantha  could  utter  a  protest,  he  had  poured 
forth  a  volley  of  invectives  against  her  desecration  of 
the  day. 

"  Positively,  Di,  you  are  more  irreverent  and  heathenish 
than  Diana  of  old.  Had  she  lived  in  this  enlightened  age, 
she  would  have  laid  aside  quiver  and  arrows  on  this  day, 
set  apart  by  the  church  for  fasting  and  repentance  ;  while 
I  find  you  with  your  armor  buckled  on,  and  your  weapons 
of  warfare  in  actual  use." 

"Pray,  tell  me  what  are  my  weapons  of  warfare?" 

"  Look  at  the  pens,  papers,  pencils,  and  books,  and  then 
at  your  poor,  pale  victim.  Edna  needs  no  further  defini- 
tion of  the  phrase." 

"  O,  Stephen,  you  are  spoiling  my  drawing-pencils,  and 
making  sad  havoc  of  Edna's  French  exercises.  Take  my 
pupil  off  the  table,  please,  and  don't  make  quite  so  much 
noise.  Mamma  has  come." 

"  Of  course  mamma  has  come,  but  that's  no  reason  why 
I  should  keep  silence.  I  came  expressly  to  welcome  her, 
and  shall  begin  in  the  true  Eastern  style,  with  the  sound 
of  the  voice,  the  timbrel,  and  the  harp.  She'll  fancy  an 
Italian  opera  troupe  has  been  engaged  to  do  her  honor." 
And  Stephen  produced  from  his  pocket  a  couple  of  jcws- 
harps,  upon  both  of  which  he  contrived  to  make  a  noise 
simultaneously.  Expostulation  was  vain  for  the  next  tea 
minutes,  until  the  young  collegian  was  convinced  that 
Edna  had  been  roused  and  amused  enough  for  one  day, 
and  his  sister  sufficiently  annoyed  with  his  vagaries  and 
the  disorder  into  which  he  had  thrown  her  room,  and  then 
he  went  quietly  to  repairing  damages.  And  soon  after 
his  jubilant  entrance  to  the  house,  his  father  found  him  in 


142  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

the  parlor,  reading  Macaulay  as  gravely  as  if  jews-harps 
had  never  been  invented. 

Dr.  Howell  saw  and  greeted  his  wife  and  step-daughter 
before  their  crinkling  silks  and  pungent  perfumes  floated 
into  the  dining-room.  Stephen,  too,  had  shocked  their 
delicate  nerves,  and  still  more  delicate  sense  of  conven- 
tionality, by  his  boisterous  happiness;  but  the  mistress  of 
the  house  had  neither  seen  the  little  stranger  beneath  her 
roof,  nor  inquired  after  her  welfare,  until  she  was  led  for- 
ward and  presented  by  Diautha. 

Mrs.  Howell  extended  the  tips  of  her  fingers,  and 
touched  Edna's  outstretched  hand,  saying,  coldly,  "  So 
this  is  Di'sjirotegee  !  I  hope  she  is  improving." 

"  She's  doing  bravely  now,"  answered  the  doctor  for  his 
little  patient,  taking  her  hand  in  his  kindly,  encouraging 
way,  and  seating  her  beside  himself  at  table. 

"Is  that  poor  child  still  here?  "  exclaimed  Miss  Goode- 
now,  in  French ;  her  words,  her  tones,  and  her  face  all  in- 
dicating that  she  regarded  the  stranger  as  an  interloper. 

"  Such  a  pale  face,  such  large  eyes,  and  such  light  hair 
produce  a  startling  effect,"  added  Louise,  still  speaking  in 
French.  She  had  often  used  this  language  in  every-day 
intercourse  with  friends  before  going  to  Xew  York,  and  it 
could  hardly  be  expected  that  plain  Anglo-Saxon  words 
should  be  a  sufficiently  polite  and  elegant  medium  for  ex- 
pressing the  ideas  of  one  who  was  desirous  that  her  supe- 
rior culture  and  refinement  should  be  acknowledged. 

"  Edna  can  teach  us  both  the  French,  Lou.  She  has 
had  the  advantage  of  speaking  it  where  it  is  the  only 
language  in  general  use,"  said  Diantha,  coming  as  quickly 
as  possible  to  the  rescue  of  the  sensitive  child. 

"  So  we  can  dispense  with  the  services  of  Monsieur 
Sourelle  for  the  present.  It  will  be  charming  to  have 
a  mentor  at  one's  own  fireside."  Miss  Goodenow's  mock- 


MRS.  HOWELL'S  RETURN.  143 

ing  tones  were  unheeded  by  Edna,  whose  attention  Dr. 
Howell  had  purposely  engrossed ;  and  owing  to  his  tact 
and  care,  combined  with  Diantha's  and  Stephen's,  the  two 
ladies  were  drawn  out  in  animated  descriptions  of  the 
glories  they  had  left  behind ;  and  once  fairly  plunged  in 
such  golden  reminiscences,  it  required  only  judicious  pilot- 
ing to  keep  them  for  one  evening  off  the  rocks  and  sand-bars 
of  domestic  differences.  The  splendors  of  Ralph  Goode- 
now's  wealth  and  social  standing,  the  distinguished  people 
whom  they  had  met,  the  delightful  parties  they  had  at- 
tended, the  "  divine  operas "  they  had  listened  to  —  in 
short,  the  concentrated  essence  of  refined  elegances  which 
had  been  lavished  upon  them,  formed  almost  inexhaustible 
themes  of  conversation,  and  laid  such  heavy  tribute  upon 
the  adjectives  of  their  mother  tongue,  that  without  a  copi- 
ous use  of  the  French  they  would  still  have  felt  "  a  pent- 
up  Utica  "  within  their  souls. 

And,  moreover,  the  brilliant  successes  and  triumphs  of 
the  sojourn  in  New  York,  added  to  the  rose-colored  an- 
ticipations of  a  wedding,  and  the  prospect  of  enhanced 
wealth,  had  softened  the  natural  hauteur  and  acerbity  of 
Mrs.  Howell's  temper,  and  returned  her  to  her  husband's 
roof  so  satisfied  with  her  achievements,  so  sanguine  of 
future  social  triumphs,  that,  as  she  expressed  it  to  her 
family,  "  She  was  encased  in  an  armor  of  sunny  memories 
and  delightful  anticipations ;  in  fact,  ready  to  submit  to 
a  "  daily  crucifixion  of  her  tastes,"  and  a  wholesale  sacrifice 
of  self. 

It  is  due  also  to  the  doctor's  wife  to  state  that  her 
pacific  condition  of  mind  was  somewhat  indebted  to  the 
knowledge  she  had  gained,  just  before  leaving  New  York, 
of  her  husband's  reputation  for  science  and  skill  amongst 
the  medical  fraternity  of  the  metropolis.  At  Mrs.  Ralph 
Goodeuow's  last  party  she  had  been  introduced  to  a  dis- 


144  DR.  IIOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

tingaiihed  professor  of  medicine,  who  asked  her  if  she  was 
the  wife  of  that  scientific  Dr.  Ilowell,  of  ILmthrop,  who 
wrote  such  valuable  articles  for  medical  journals;  and  re- 
ceiving an  affirmative  reply,  the  great  professor  spoke 
warmly  and  appreciatively  of  Dr.  Howell's  remarkable 
knowledge  of  disease  and  its  remedies ;  of  discoveries 
made  by  him  which  had  ameliorated  the  condition  of  suf- 
fering humanity;  and  expressed  a  desire  to  know  one  who 
had  such  depth,  breadth,  and  clearness  of  thought  as  had 
been  evinced  by  Dr.  Ilowell  in  his  essays  on  medical  and 
scientific  subjects.  And  Mrs.  Ilowell  was  keen  and  quick 
enough  to  perceive  that  even  in  the  fashionable  world  of 
New  York,  distinguished  talents  might  hold  almost  as 
potent  a  sway  as  wraith,  and  form  as  sure  and  strong  a 
foundation  for  the  upbuilding  of  an  honorable  name.  She 
had  vented  much  spleen,  ill-temper,  and  dissatisfaction  in 
her  letters  to  the  doctor,  and  his  dignified  and  generous' 
silence  she  could  but  confess  was  the  fruit  of  something 
more  noble  in  his  nature  than  she  had  hitherto  given  him 
credit  for;  and  after  her  conversation  with  the  professor, 
she  admitted  to  Louise  that  what  had  seemed  to  her 
apathy,  indifference,  and  neglect  in  the  doctor,  might  be 
attributed  to  the  idiosyncrasies  of  genius,  and  that  she 
should  study  his  peculiarities  more  carefully  hereafter,  and, 
if  possible,  accord  them  more  respect. 

Mrs.  Howell's  tact  was  equal  to  any  emergency;  and 
for  the  present  it  suited  her  mood  to  be  pleasantly  agree- 
able ;  and  when  the  doctor,  after  leading  her  from  the 
dinner-table  to  the  parlor,  asked  if  the  improvements  met 
her  approbation,  she  answered,  with  as  much  warmth  as 
could  reasonably  have  been  expected,  — 

"  The  new  carpet  is  neat  and  pretty.  I  had  quite  set 
my  heart  on  having  an  Axminster,  like  Ralph's ;  but  as  I 
told  Lou  before  dinner,  this  Brussels  will  harmonize  better 


MRS.  HOWELL'S  RETURN.  145 

with  the  house  and  all  its  appointments,  and  the  paper, 
now  tli at  we  see  it  under  gas-light,  is  really  rather  stylish 
—  isn't  it,  Lou?" 

Thus  appealed  to,  the  young  lady  turned  her  eyes  non- 
chalantly from  carpet  to  paper,  exclaiming, — 

"Don't  ask  my  opinion.  The  paper  looks  dreadfully 
common  to  me,  after  seeing  uncle  Ralph's  frescoed  walls." 

"  Of  course,  my  dear,  everything  looks  cheap  compared 
with  the  elegances  which  your  uncle's  wealth  commands; 
but  Di  has  shown  good  taste  in  arranging  her  flowers,  and, 
on  the  whole,  I  am  not  as  much  shocked  with  the  want  of 
style  in  our  home  as  I  expected  to  be." 

An  admission  that  more  than  satisfied  the  doctor ;  for 
he  remembered  that  "grapes  are  not  gathered  from  thorns, 
•nor  figs  from  thistles,"  and  that  "lilacs  do  not  bloom  in 
February." 

10 


146  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

MISS  GOODENOW'S  ENGAGEMENT. 

"  Ambition  has  broad  leaves,  which  overgrow 
The  feebler  heart-plants,  blossoming  small  and  low." 

"  With  what  cracked  pitchers  go  we  to  deep  wells 
In  this  world  !  " 

MRS.  BROWNING. 

"You  needn't  look  so  shocked,  Di.  Of  course  I'm  fond 
of  my  cousin  Arthur;  he  will  open  for  me  the  doors  of  just 
such  society  as  my  education  and  tastes  have  prepared 
me  to  appreciate  and  adorn.  There's  no  doubt  but  the 
highest  political  honors  will  be  his  in  due  time  ;  and,  as 
the  wife  of  a  senator  or  diplomate,  I  can  be  admitted  to 
the  most  select  and  fashionable  circles.  But  if  Horace 
Metcalf  had  as  brilliant  prospects  and  as  much  ambition, 
I  should  give  him  the  preference.  You  didn't  suppose  I 
was  so  foolish  as  to  be  deeply  in  love  with  my  cousin  ?  " 

"I  did  have  some  such  old-fashioned  idea,"  replied 
Diantha ;  and  the  soft  light  in  her  eye  and  the  delicate 
flushing  of  her  cheek  spoke  of  her  tender  reverence  for 
the  unfashionable  sentiment. 

It  was  the  morning  after  Miss  Goodenow's  return  from 
New  York ;  and  Diantha's  services  having  been  required 
in  unpacking,  she  had  been  rewarded  by  her  half-sister 
Avith  a  history  of  the  choice  presents  she  had  received, 
and  the  beautiful  articles  of  wearing  apparel  which  had 
been  purchased  in  the  city;  and,  in  an  hour  of  unusual 
confidence,  Louise  had  spoken  of  her  engagement,  and  her 


MISS   GOODENOW'S   ENGAGEMENT.  147 

regret  that  Horace  Metcalf  did  not  possess  the  ambition 
of  her  cousin,  and  that  he  had  not  made  her  an  offer  of 
marriage  before  she  went  to  New  York ;  and  plain,  matter- 
of-fact  Diantha  had  shown  in  her  guileless  face  surprise 
and  grief,  that  her  sister  had  been  actuated  by  such  un- 
worthy considerations  in  making  so  solemn  a  compact; 
and  her  expressions  of  astonishment  called  from  Louise 
the  opening  remarks  of  this  chapter. 

"  I  should  never  allow  love  for  any  one,  not  even  the 
man  whose  name  and  position  I  chose  to  accept,  to  be- 
come an  absorbing  passion,  because  it  would  so  interfere 
with  my  pursuits  and  happiness." 

"  But  wouldn't  there  be  a  sweeter  and  purer  happiness 
in  a  great  love,  such  as  would  swallow  up  all  thoughts  of 
selfish  pleasure,  than  could  be  gathered  from  any  other 
earthly  source  ?  " 

"  That's  a  sentiment  you've  borrowed  from  books,  Di. 
In  real  life,  men  and  women  find  out  what  foundation 
there  is  to  build  love  upon  before  permitting  their  fancies 
and  feelings  to  take  deep  root.  Arthur  is  fine  looking,  and 
has  the  unmistakable  air  and  manners  of  a  gentleman ; 
he  is  well  educated,  and  has  many  tastes  in  common  with 
mine;  but  if  he  had  not  wealth  and  the  very  best  social 
and  political  prospects,  I  should  never  think  of  marrying 
him." 

"  You  never  speak  of  his  moral  or  religious  character, 
Louise,  but  always  of  the  social  advantages  to  be  gained 
through  him,  as  if  wealth  and  worldly  honors  could  fill 
one's  heart." 

"  When  I  say  that  Arthur  is  a  gentleman,  it  implies 
that  his  moral  character  is  above  reproach ;  and  when  I 
promised  to  marry  him,  it  implied  as  much  love  on  my 
part  as  'tis  for  a  woman's  happiness  to  cultivate  :  an  in- 
tensified, absorbing  passion,  such  as  one  reads  about,  never 


148  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

shows  a' well-balanced  mind,  nor  adds  to  the  comfort  of 
the  marriage  relation.  I  admire  Arthur's  talents,  and  honor 
the  ambition  which  prompts  him  to  seek  political  prefer- 
ment, and  I  like  him  well  enough  to  use  my  influence  in 
his  behalf;  but  as  for  being  what  uneducated  girls  would 
call  '  in  love,'  I'm  not.  'Tis  useless  to  discuss  this  subject 
with  you,  Di ;  our  ideas  of  life  are  so  different,  we  must 
always  clash.  You  are  all  Howell,  amiable,  and  pious,  and 
sensible,  and  satisfied  to  work  with  common  people  in  a 
quiet  way,  while  I  must  have  intelligent  society  and  ex- 
citing pleasures,  or  I  should  simply  vegetate  —  there 
would  be  nothing  for  me  worth  calling  life  in  such  a  hum- 
drum existence  as  yours.  Now  for  business.  Have  you 
found  out  whether  Mrs.  Jenks  can  sew  for  me?" 

"  I  went  to  see  her  before  breakfast  this  morning.  She 
will  be  very  glad  to  work  for  you;  her  husband  is  quite 
comfortable  now,  and  little  Susie  is  so  much  better  that 
Mrs.  Jenks  is  comparatively  at  leisure.  I  will  carry  your 
sewing  to  her  to-day." 

"No.  I  want  to  see  the  woman.  You  never  did  know 
how  to  make  a  bargain  with  poor  people ;  they  ask  enor- 
mous prices,  and  I  have  to  show  them  very  decidedly  that 
I  won't  be  imposed  upon.  If  Mrs.  Jenks  will  take  some 
of  my  old  clothes  in  payment  for  her  sewing,  I  will  deal 
very  generously  by  her,  and  won't  mind  throwing  in  sev- 
eral garments  that  can  be  made  over  for  those  two  great 
girls  of  hers.  Can  you  manage  to  bring  her  into  our 
kitchen  this  evening  between  six  and  seven  o'clock?  I 
shouldn't  dare  go  into  Mrs.  Jenks's  house,  nor  even  into 
Ferry  Street,  while  there's  so  much  danger  from  contagion  ; 
and,  by  the  way,  tell  Jane  to  have  a  kettle  of  peppermint 
or  some  pungent  herb  boiling  o*n  the  stove  while  Mrs. 
Jenks  is  in  the  kitchen  ;  the  exhalations  will  counteract 
the  pestilential  odor  carried  in  such  people's  clothing." 


MISS      GOODENOW'S     ENGAGEMENT.  149 

"  Mrs.  Jenks  is  a  lady,  Louise,  and  keeps  her  own  cloth- 
ing, and  her  children's,  and  everything  about  their  poor 
rooms,  as  tidy  as  can  be.  And  let  me  say  a  word  or  two 
about  the  bargain  you  propose  making  with  her.  Don't 
forget  that  your  old  clothes  won't  buy  her  family  bread, 
and  meat,  and  fuel ;  won't  pay  their  rent,  nor  supply  a  score 
of  wants  that  cannot  be  enumerated." 

"And  I  mustn't  forget  that  she's  a  lady  with  sensitive 
nerves  and  ears,  and  a  large,  shiftless  family,  whom  she 
expects  good,  honest  souls  like  Dr.  Howell  and  his  daughter 
to  support;  and  I  must  pay  her  in  gold  double  what  her 
work  is  worth,  because  she  is  a  lady ! " 

"Only  keep  in  remembrance,  dear  Lou,  that '  whatsoever 
we  would  that  others  should  do  for  us,  we  should  do  for 
them.' " 

"Don't  set  up  a  standard  of  morals  for  me,  Di.  I'll 
manage  my  own  affairs ;  and  during  the  short  time  I'm  to 
be  at  home,  I  wish  you'd  give  up  your  ordinary  pursuits, 
and  devote  as  much  of  your  time  to  me  as  possible.  I 
must  keep  up  my  musical  practice,  and  must  find  an  hour 
every  day  to  converse  in  French  with  Professor  Sourelle ; 
and  though  I'm  only  to  have  six  or  eight  dresses  before 
reaching  Paris,  yet  there'll  be  a  vast  amount  of  work  and 
care,  and  you  can  be  of  great  service,  if  you  will." 

Diantha  had  the  will  to  be  useful,  and  the  desire  to 
please  her  sister,  and  relieve  her  mother  from  care ;  but  she 
often  found  her  willingness  and  her  patience  ebbing  under 
the  constant  demands  made  upon  them.  Indeed,  there 
was  abundant  opportunity  for  exercise  of  all  the  Christian 
graces  under  Dr.  Howell's  roof  during  the  month  of 
March ;  and  each  member  of  the  family  looked  forward 
to  April  with  an  eager  desire  for  the  consummation  of  that 
sacred  ceremony,  the  preparations  for  which  had  stirred 
up  such  a  hurricane  of  muslin,  silks,  laces,  ribbons,  and 
flowers. 


150  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

The  violence  of  the  disturbing  forces  seemed  to  con- 
centrate upon  the  doctor.  In  the  first  place,  scarlet  fever 
and  a  contagious  throat  distemper  prevailed  in  Hanthrop, 
and  his  mental  and  physical  powers  were  severely  taxed ; 
then  Mrs.  Ho  well  was  nervously  afraid  the  contagion 
would  steal  over  her  own  threshold,  and  had  forbidden 
Diantha  to  call  upon  the  poor  or  the  sick,  lest  she  should 
bring  the  infection  away,  and  the  doctor  missed  his  daugh- 
ter's soothing  ministrations  amongst  his  patients :  double 
vigilance  was  demanded  of  him  when  bereft  of  Diantha's 
aid ;  then  the  doctor  had  no  natural  taste  for  millinery, 
and  he  didn't  find  his  temper  improving  when  forced  to 
listen  day  after  day  to  tedious  discussions  on  trivial  points, 
such  as  the  width  of  a  ribbon,  the  materials  for  Lou's 
dresses,  the  length  of  her  trains,  whether  she  should  wear 
a  pink  or  a  bufF  rose  in  her  hat,  what  should  be  the  color 
of  the  travelling  dress,  gray,  or  drab,  or  mauve,  or  mouse, 
and  whether  she  should  wear  garnets  or  pearls  with  her 
peach-colored  silk.  It  was  not  quieting  to  a  man's  worn 
nerves,  over-taxed  brain,  excited  sympathies,  and  jaded 
limbs,  when  he  yearned  for  an  hour's  relaxation,  such  as 
the  soothing  of  music  or  the  stimulus  of  sensible  talk,  to 
find  his  parlor  turned  into  a  bazaar  for  the  exhibition  of 
merchandise,  and  instead  of  Diantha's  sweet  rendering  of 
music,  to  be  regaled  with  a  minute  history  of  Lou's  failure 
to  match  a  piece  of  ribbon  velvet,  or  to  find  just  the  right 
size  and  shade  in  buttons,  or  that  quality  and  quantity  of 
lace  which  Madame  Lavitte  had  pronounced  absolutely 
essential.  The  doctor  tried  to  be  interested  in  what 
seemed  so  vitally  important  to  his  wife,  and  when  called 
upon  to  assist  in  selecting  for  Lou  the  most  becoming 
shades  and  styles,  would  conscientiously  endeavor  to  bring 
his  thoughts  away  from  the  sober  realities  of  his  profession 
to  the  rainbow-hued  world  which  they  were  so  enthusiasti- 
cally preparing  for. 


MISS    GOODENOW'S   ENGAGEMENT.  151 

Had  there  not  been  frequent  opportunities  for  him  to 
escape  to  the  chamber  over  the  office,  which  the  din  and 
bustle  of  preparation  had  not  yet  invaded,  the  doctor's 
strength  and  patience  might  not  have  waded  through 
those  weeks  with  so  fair  a  record.  Even  Diantha  came 
to  regard  the  sunny,  cheerful  room  as  a  city  of  refuge. 
With  a  guileless,  intelligent  child  for  a  companion,  with 
books  which  were  always  fresh  and  pure  sources  of  en- 
joyment to  both  the  doctor  and  his  daughter,  with  a  rare 
harmony  of  tastes  and  communion  of  spirit,  it  was  no 
marvel  that  when  they  were  off  duty  they  sought  a  retreat 
that  offered  so  many  attractions. 

Had  Mrs.  Hovvell,  previous  to  her  New  York  visit, 
observed  an  inclination  in  her  husband  to  avoid  the  parlor, 
she  would  have  made  it  a  subject  for  discussion  and  differ- 
ence. Diantha's  devotion  to  Edna  would  at  any  other 
time  have  been  the  cause  of  serious  disturbance.  In  fact, 
Edna's  presence  in  the  house  would  not  have  been  toler- 
ated, had  it  not  been  a  part  of  Mrs.  Howell's  diplomacy 
during  these  weeks  to  avoid  matters  of  difference.  One 
great  desire  filled  her  heart  and  colored  her  acts,  and  that 
was,  to  launch  Louise  upon  the  matrimonial  tide  with  as 
much  pomp  and  parade  as  her  ingenuity  could  devise ;  and 
in  order  to  make  such  a  felicitous  display  as  she  deemed 
essential,  the  doctor  must  be  conciliated  and  cajoled  into 
acquiescence,  if  not  approval.  Indeed,  had  Mrs.  Howell 
been  quite  certain  of  the  theological  correctness  of  such  an 
opinion,  she  would  not  have  hesitated  to  affirm  that  the 
unprecedented  prevalence  of  contagious  and  malignant 
diseases  in  Hanthrop  at  this  time  was  a  providential  inter- 
position, inasmuch  as  it  so  occupied  the  doctor's  time  and 
absorbed  his  thoughts  as  to  render  him  comparatively 
oblivious  to  the  magnitude  of  her  preparations. 

His  lack  of  interest  in  her  favorite  pursuits  ;  his  want  of 


152  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

depth,  breadth,  and  liberality ;  and  the  concentration  of  all 
his  powers  on  his  profession, — were  not  an  especial  calamity, 
when  such  characteristics  gave  larger  scope  to  her  own 
executive  ability. 

The  month  of  March  was  not  without  its  trials  for  the 
principal  actors  in  this  drama.  So  large  a  portion  of  their 
modest  fortune  was  locked  up  in  stocks  of  the  "  Eureka," 
that  in  order  to  create  a  sensation  by  the  brilliancy  of 
Lou's  wedding,  and  triumph  for  one  short  day  over  all  the 
devotees  of  fashion,  they  were  obliged  to  resort  to  such 
subterfuges  as  honest  people  shrink  from  —  to  anticipate 
that  marvellous  expansion  of  their  investments  which  had 
been  promised  by  Ralph  Goodenow  —  and  to  deny  them- 
selves much  that  would  have  ministered  to  their  worldly 
pride,  or,  as  Mrs.  Howell  expressed  it,  "  to  make  sacrifices 
that  less  sensitive  and  delicately  organized  natures  could 
never  comprehend." 

But  March,  with  its  mud,  and  vapors,  and  east  winds, 
gave  place  to  the  uncertain  sunshine  of  April.  Maples 
blushed  faintly,  as  if  with  tender  thoughts  of  their  own 
budding  beauty;  while  willows,  donning  a  robe  of  pale 
yellow,  waved  their  long,  pendent  branches,  and  noiselessly 
heralded  the  new  birth. 

The  pestilential  breath  of  fever  crept  stealthily  away 
in  the  rear  of  winter,  and  Easter  Sunday  dawned  upon 
Hanthrop  with  more  than  its  wonted  joy  and  gladness,  be- 
cause the  Angel  of  Life  had  again  triumphed. 

Mrs.  Howell  pronounced  the  preparations  for  her  daugh- 
ter's marriage  complete,  and  remarked  to  Louise,  as  they 
sat  in  handsome  evening  attire,  waiting  for  the  coming  of 
Ralph  Goodenow's  family,  that  "  she  had  been  sustained 
through  all  these  weeks  of  bustle  and  confusion  by  the  most 
heroic  spirit  of  self-sacrifice." 

Doubtless  the  frequency  with  which  similar  sentiments 


MISS    GOODENOW'S    ENGAGEMENT.  153 

had  been  uttered  robbed  this  last  remark  of  its  pathos  and 
power,  as  Miss  Goodenow  made  no  response  to  it,  and  her 
mother,  after  a  minute's  silence,  took  up  the  fruitful  theme 
again. 

"It  is  very  humiliating  to  invite  your  uncle's  family 
into  such  a  house  as  this  ;  but  I  trust  all  my  sacrifices  and 
mortifications  will  work  together  for  my  spiritual  good, 
and  help  wean  me  from  the  perishable  things  of  this 
world." 

Mrs.  Howell  was  sure  of  the  piety  and  propriety  of  this 
sentiment. 

" '  What  can't  be  cured  must  be  endured,'  I  suppose," 
replied  Miss  Goodenow,  forgetting  her  usual  elegance  of 
speech  in  the  aptness  of  the  old  proverb  to  express  her 
ideas  on  this  subject;  "  but  I  must  admit  that  I  never  have 
desired  to  live  so  far  above  the  world  and  its  fashions  as  to 
be  content  with  comrnonish  surroundings.  I  was  never 
born  for  a  martyr,  and  I  mean  to  extract  all  the  beauty 
and  sweetness  possible  from  life,  and  keep  myself  as  far 
from  its  vexations  and  cares  as  money  can  remove  me." 

Mrs.  Howell  smiled  as  bcnignantly  as  if  her  daughter's 
remarks  had  been  a  quotation  from  Dr.  Blossom. 

"  Dear  Louise,  you  mustn't  expect  to  find  life  all  sun- 
shine and  flowers.  Arthur  may  be  taken  from  you  as  my 
husband  was  from  me,  and  just  such  another  heavy  fall 
may  shroud  your  life  as  has  darkened  mine." 

"I  should  never  succumb  as  quietly  as  you  have  to 
adverse  circumstances.  If  a  woman  is  beautiful  and  ac- 
complished, and  makes  a  right  use  of  her  gifts,  society  will 
be  ready  to  receive  her.  I  shall  never  be  broken  by  mis- 
fortune ;  it  may  bend  me  for  a  season,  but  an  elastic  spirit 
like  mine  will  rebound  from  the  heaviest  blow." 

Miss  Goodenow  belonged  to  that  class  who  scrupulously 
endeavor  to  keep  "  the  velvet-piled  side  of  this  world  up- 


154  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILT. 

permost,  lest  their  delicate  eyes  should  see  the  warp  that 
holds  it." 

"  You  have  always  seemed  to  possess  a  charmed  life,  and 
your  skill  in  avoiding  disagreeable  and  common  vexations 
has  sometimes  appeared  to  me  a  high  order  of  talent," 
responded  Mrs.  Howell;  but  her  comments  were  inter- 
rupted by  exclamations  from  Louise. 

"Uncle  Ralph's  family  have  come!  The  carriage  has 
just  stopped  at  our  door ;  and,  bless  me,  what's  going  to 
happen  ?  The  doctor  has  been  polite  enough  to  meet 
them  at  the  depot." 

"  Well,  there's  no  accounting  for  the  eccentricities  of 
genius ;  perhaps  he'll  take  a  fancy  to  keep  his  profession  in 
the  background  for  one  week." 

The  meeting  between  partie's  so  intimately  connected 
need  not  be  desci'ibed ;  but  people  of  such  style  and  con- 
sequence can  hardly  be  permitted  to  spend  a  week  under 
Dr.  Howell's  roof  without  an  introduction  to  his  friends, 
and  our  readers  may  anticipate  a  formal  presentation. 


RALPH    GOODENOW.  155 


CHAPTER    XVII. 

RALPH     GOODESTOW. 

"  O,  what  a  world  of  vile,  ill-natured  faults 
Look  handsome  in  three  hundred  pounds  a  year ! " 

SHAKESPEARE. 

MRS.  HOWELL'S  excellent  dinner  had  been  discussed  as 
properly  by  the  stock-broker  and  his  family  as  could  have 
been  expected,  considering  it  lacked  the  attendance  of  a 
liveried  servant,  and  was  served  upon  plain  white  china. 
They  had  shown  their  hostess  that  the  Goodenovv  coat-of- 
arms,  engraved  on  Sevres  china,  gold  and  silver  plate,  was 
not  an  essential  stimulant  to  appetite ;  and  with  that  com- 
fortable after-dinner  air  and  look  which  are  becoming  even 
to  people  of  humble  pretensions,  they  shall  sit  for  their 
pictures. 

First,  Ralph  Goodenow  —  a  man  near  fifty  years  of  age, 
tall,  sparely  built,  with  a  high,  narrow  forehead,  around 
which  iron-gray  hair  curled  rigidly,  as  if  familiar  with  a 
hair-dresser's  tongs ;  eyes  as  unchanging  in  their  hue  as  his 
favorite  yellow  ore,  and  as  unsteady  in  their  sockets  as  his 
stocks  on  Wall  Street ;  a  thin  upper  lip,  the  most  mobile 
and  expressive  of  his  features;  for  if  anything  grated 
against  his  tastes,  theories,  or  policy,  it  could  be  drawn 
so  far  under  his  nose  as  to  appear  a  part  of  that  prominent 
organ,  leaving  exposed  a  glittering  row  of  artificial  teeth, 
from  which  his  heavy,  protruding  under  lip  fell  away 


156  DR.  HOTVELL'S  FAMILY. 

as  if  afraid  of  its  dangerous  neighbors ;  very  white,  restless 
hands,  nervously  toying  with  his  watch-chain  and  seals, 
and  ornamented  with  an  emerald,  whose  market  value  its 
wearer  seemed  always  desirous  of  proclaiming;  a  smile  too 
stereotyped  for  genuine  expression ;  a  voice  too  thin  and 
metallic  in  sound,  too  rapid  in  utterance,  to  be  the  medium 
of  honest,  manly  opinions,  —  and  we  have  a  picture  of  the 
stock-broker,  as  he  stood  on  the  hearth-rug  in  his  host's 
parlor,  gazing  as  critically  at  all  its  appointments  as  if  he 
were  taking  an  account  of  stock. 

Mrs.  Ralph  Goodenow  —  always  faultlessly  dressed,  self- 
complacent  and  haughty,  more  religiously  observant  of  the 
mint,  anise,  and  cumin  of  fashion's  laws  than  of  grammar 
or  sentiment,  never  forgetting,  nor  permitting  others  to  for- 
get, her  wealth,  style,  and  position  —  was  simply  a  neces- 
sary and  expensive  advertisement  of  the  stock-broker's 
prosperity.  Her  light,  cold  eyes  moved  slowly  around  from 
carpet  to  walls,  from  furniture  to  pictures,  resting  somewhat 
longer  upon  Diantha  and  Edna  than  upon  the  inanimate 
objects,  but  evidently  regarding  them  as  so  far  removed 
from  her  own  exalted  plane  of  existence  as  to  be  quite 
unworthy  of  more  than  a  passing  glance. 

The  young  secretary  of  legation,  with  his  really  fine 
face  and  handsome  figure,  his  genial  address  and  ready 
conversation,  would  make  an  agreeable  impression  upon 
almost  any  circle ;  and  if  there  was  a  trifle  more  of  suavity 
in  his  manner  than  true  politeness  would  demand,  and 
a  something  in  his  too  constant  smile  that  caused  one  to 
think  of  conservatories  and  colored  lights,  and  a  ring  in 
his  musical  voice  that  reminded  one  of  a  street-organ,  yet 
the  versatility  of  his  talents  and  his  abundant  flow  of  words 
would  incline  the  severest  critic,  after  an  evening  spent 
in  his  society,  to  render  a  favorable  verdict  upon  his  ap- 
pearance, even  though  an  undefined  shadow  of  some- 


KALm    GOODENOW.  157 

thing  untrue  in  his  nature  constantly  hovered  around  his 
presence. 

The  broker's  only  daughter,  Hortense,  was  a  pretty 
blonde,  whose  prettiness  was  enhanced  by  every  accessory 
of  dress.  Her  fair  face  and  regular  features  might  have 
been  beautiful  if  her  heart  and  head  had  received  as  much 
attention  as  her  feet;  but  so  long  as  her  dancing  was 
unexceptionable,  her  adjectives,  interjections,  and  French 
phrases  copious,  her  knowledge  of  music  sufficient  to  cause 
those  to  shiver  whose  ears  were  especially  sensitive  to  dif- 
ferences between  harmony  and  noise,  what  else  could  the 
"best  society"  demand,  after  a  satisfactory  investigation 
of  her  father's  means? 

The  young  lady  amused  herself  for  a  short  time  with 
Diantha  and  Edna ;  and  then,  in  a  whispered  conference 
with  her  future  sister-in-law,  she  told  "  how  awfully  dull  it 
had  been  during  Lent  —  nothing  but  the  opera,  and  euchre, 
and  whist  parties,  to  take  the  place  of  balls  and  dancing. " 

The  two  elder  ladies  discussed  the  bridal  paraphernalia, 
and  settled  a  few  preliminaries  for  the  morrow.  Arthur 
Goodenow  seated  himself  near  Diantha,  to  find  out,  if  pos- 
sible, why  she  was  so  unlike  other  young  ladies,  and  what 
was  the  secret  of  that  quiet,  refined,  nameless  presence 
which  gave  such  a  charm  to  the  fitful,  delicate  color  of  her 
pure  face,  and  such  inimitable  grace  to  her  words,  voice, 
and  manner;  and  the  stock-broker  catechised  the  Soctor 
upon  the  moneyed  interests  of  Hanthrop. 

"  It  seems  a  much  larger  and  more  business-like  city  than 
I  expected  to  find,"  he  remarked  ;  and  afterwards,  when  the 
doctor  learned  how  vague  and  uncertain  were  his  guest's 
ideas  of  many  towns  and  cities  not  represented  on  the  maps 
and  charts  of  stock  companies,  —  in  short,  that  his  knowl- 
edge of  geography  was  as  liberal  and  independent  as  his 
use  of  language,  —  he  almost  wondered  that  a  man  of  such. 


158  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

devotion  to  one  object,  and  that  not  particularly  scientific, 
should  have  heard  of  such  a  city  as  Hanthrop. 

"Yes,  our  city  is  making  progress;  helping  swell  the 
great  flood-tide  of  the  metropolis,"  answered  the  doctor. 

"  That's  true.  New  York  is  the  great  business  centre, 
and  naturally  attracts  the  bone  and  sinew,  by  which  I  mean 
the  energy  and  capital,  of  our  country,  to  its  heart,  meta- 
phorically speaking,  of  course,  sir,"  added  Ralph  Goodenow, 
pompously.  He  revelled  in  what  he  was  pleased  to  call 
metaphors  ;  high-sounding  phrases,  picked  up  from  jobbers 
in  such  wares,  who  supported  the  tinsel  and  show  of  much 
up-town  life,  slipped  glibly  off  his  tongue ;  in  fact,  they 
were  an  important  part  of  his  business  capital. 

Dr.  Howell  smiled  encouragingly,  and  his  guest  con- 
tinued :  — 

"  How  to  make  fortunes  most  rapidly  is  the  great  ques- 
tion of  the  day,  sir.  How  best  to  develop  the  vast  mineral 
wealth  of  our  country  is  a  problem  worthy  of —  of  serious 
study,  sir." 

Again  the  doctor  nodded  an  assent,  but  seemed  too 
deeply  absorbed  in  taking  a  moral  and  mental  diagnosis  of 
his  guest  to  reply  in  words. 

"  Why,  sir,  if  you  have  never  made  it  your  business  to 
become  familiar  with  the  extent  and  richness  of  our  mining 
districts,  the  facts  would  astonish  you.  We  have,  in  Cali- 
fornia alone,  gold  enough  to  make  us  the  richest  nation  on 
the  globe,  not  to  mention  Colorado,  Montana,  Oregon,  and 
a  score  of  districts,  larger  than  all  New  England,  where  the 
gold  crops  out  as  freely  as  thistles  in  Canada  —  figuratively 
speaking,  sir.  But  we  must  have  energy  and  capital  to 
develop  our  vast  resources.  Then  think  what  we  shall 
gain  when  our  great  copper-bearing  districts  are  success- 
fully worked.  Why,  'tis  my  candid  opinion  —  based  on 
statistics,  of  course,  sir — that  on  the  shores  of  Lake  Superior 


RALPH    GOODENOW.  159 

alone,  copper  enough  might  be  found  to  plate  every  vessel 
that  floats,  to  put  a  boiler  into  every  dwelling  in  America, 
and  shingle  every  roof  in  Christendom!  And  as  for  iron, 
'tis  so  abundant,  and  might  be  made  so  cheap,  if  moneyed 
men  would  form  companies  for  working  it,  that  every 
man's  farm  between  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  could  be 
fenced  with  it,  window  sashes  and  frames  for  all  the 
houses  on  the  continent  made  from  it,  and  then  there 
would  be  enough  left  to  span  with  bridges  the  streams 
and  rivers,  and  pave  a  path  for  the  steam  horse  to  each  city 
and  town  of  our  republic."  Mr.  Goodenow  paused  for 
breath,  and  to  note  the  effect  of  his  eloquence  upon  his 
auditor;  while  Dr.  Howell,  after  a  low,  contemplative 
whistle,  remarked,  — 

"  Such  statistics  are  startling ;  they  justly  make  an 
American  pi'oud  of  his  country.  I  would  like  to  see  our 
mineral  deposits  successfully  developed ;  and  yet  I  do  not 
believe,  as  a  nation,  or  as  individuals,  we  should  be  stronger, 
purer,  and  happier  in  the  possession  of  great  wealth.  Only 
so  far  as  such  resources  encourage  healthy  industry  and 
remunerate  honest  labor,  so  far  as  they  assist  in  civilizing 
the  world,  and  in  cultivating  the  arts  and  sciences,  and 
help  to  proclaim  the  glad  tidings  of  peace  and  good-will  to 
men,  do  I  rejoice  in  the  increase  of  wealth." 

Mr.  Goodenow  looked  at  his  host  much  as  he  would  at 
a  bit  of  gold,  copper,  or  iron-bearing  deposit  which  he  was 
uncertain  how  to  classify,  and  then  asked,  — 

"  What  are  the  favorite  investments  of  your  heavy  men 
in  Hanthrop  ?  " 

"A  knowledge  of  investments  and  capital  is  quite  out  of 
my  way ;  but  at  hap-hazard,  I  should  say  our  moneyed  men 
invest  chiefly  in  banking,  shipping,  and  manufacturing." 

"  All  legitimate,  but  slow  —  slow.  When  a  nation  has 
made  such  progress  and  attained  such  growth  as  ours,  it 


160  DB.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

can  afford  to  pay  for  capital  and  brains.  Bank  stocks,  for 
instance,  are  rarely  above  par  value,  and  dividends,  even 
in  the  exceptional  cases,  are  small  and  slow.  Money  in- 
vested in  such  ways  always  reminds  me  of  the  talent 
which  the  Lord's  servant  hid  in  a  napkin,  while,  to  be  per- 
sonal as  well  as  figurative,  money  invested  in  the  Feather 
•River  Quartz-crushing  Company  is  like  the  ten  talents, 
which  gained  an  extra  ten  besides  the  Lord's  favor." 

Dr.  Howell  did  not  relish  the  broker's  application  of 
Scripture,  nor  the  satisfied  chuckle  with  which  his  last 
sentence  was  rounded ;  but  his  host's  dignified  silence  was 
no  barrier  to  Ralph  Goodenow's  flow  of  words. 

"By  the  way,  when  our  young  people  are  fairly  off  our 
hands,  sir,  I  shall  canvass  Hanthrop  tor  a  couple  of  days, 
and,  if  possible,  exhume  a  portion  of  its  buried  capital  and 
latent  energies.  Your  citizens  ought  to  take  at  least  one 
hundred  thousand  shares  in  the  Feather  River  stocks. 
It  would  quicken  their  pulses  and  liberalize  their  ideas  to 
be  stockholders  in  such  a  magnificent  enterprise.  Let  a 
man  own  such  stock  in  the  products  of  California,  and  at 
once  he  becomes  keenly  alive  to  all  the  interests  of  the 
state.  Money  is  the  great  lever,  sir,  of  social  and  political 
progress ;  it  lifts  a  man  from  the  work-shop  to  the  Senate- 
chamber,  from  the  desert  of  Sahara  to  the  land  of  Beulah." 

"  That  money  has  an  almost  unlimited  power  and  in- 
fluence, one  must  admit,  Mr.  Goodenow  ;  but  the  fact  is  a 
matter  of  regret  and  humiliation,  rather  than  of  rejoicing. 
When  moral  and  intellectual  worth  were  prerequisites  for 
office,  a  seat  in  our  legislative  halls  was  honorable ;  now, 
when  money,  without  regard  to  fitness,  will  buy  political 
preferment,  men  of  high  moral  tone  and  the  most  desirable 
qualifications  keep  aloof  from  a  contest  in  which  money  is 
at  odds  with  brains." 

"  Has  it  never  occurred  to  you,  doctor,  that  the  posses- 


RALPH    GOODENOW.  161 

sion  of  wealth,  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten,  presupposes  the 
existence  of  brains?  You  have  been  too  thoroughly 
absorbed  in  your  profession  to  note  the  shrewdness,  energy, 
and  breadth  a  man  must  have  to  cope  successfully  with  all 
competitors  for  the  golden  harvest." 

"I  have  as  great  a  reverence  for  the  kind  of  intellect 
our  merchant  princes  possess  as  I  have  for  that  which  wins 
success  in  almost  any  other  field,  and  I'm  well  aware  that 
to  amass  a  fortune  in  the  legitimate  avenues  of  trade,  one 
must  have  keen  perceptions,  a  persistent  will,  and  strongly 
developed  energies ;  but  I  also  know  that  a  certain  kind  of 
tact,  cunning,  and  shrewdness  often  gains  a  victory  over 
steady  endeavor.  When  I  see  a  man's  mental  forces  all 
•concentrated  upon  the  one  object  of  making  money,  not 
for  generous  and  ennobling  purposes,  but  for  the  position 
and  power  it  brings,  and  when  I  see  the  respect  which 
society  pays  to  the  '  goodly  apparel,'  and  not  to  the  man, 
then  I  bewail  the  increase  of  riches  and  the  influence  they 
possess." 

Diantha  had  not  been  so  engrossed  in  the  conversation 
of  others  that  she  could  not  keep  an  ear  open  to  her 
father's  remarks ;  and  noting  the  emphasis  of  his  words  and 
tones,  and  the  restless  movements  of  Mr.  Goodenow's 
white  hands,  she  came  forward,  in  her  quiet  way,  to  remind 
her  father  of  a  prescription  which  had  been  promised  one 
of  his  patients,  and  Dr.  Howell  was  not  sorry  to  exchange 
the  aristocratic  air  of  his  parlor  for  the  odor  of  medicine. 
And  then  the  good  angel  of  the  house  managed  unobtru- 
sively to  draw  out  Mr.  Arthur  Goodeuow  in  descriptions 
of  life  at  the  capital,  and  so  adroitly  to  fill  up  the  in- 
terstices of  conversation  with  an  exhibition  of  the  musical 
skill  of  Louise  and  Hortense,  that  little  space  was  left  the 
broker  for  talk  of  investments,  stocks,  and  companies. 

On  the  morrow,  white  silk  and  laces,  orange-flowers  and 
11 


162  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

tftidal  favors,  held  supreme  sway  in  the  house;  and  at 
eight  o'clock  in  the  evening,  at  St.  Mark's  church  (which 
had  been  most  profusely  decorated  with  flowers  for  this 
auriferous  marriage),  Rev.  Dr.  Blossom,  assisted  by  Right 
Rev.  Dr.  Mintwell,  of  New  York,  performed  that  solemn 
ceremony  which  made  Arthur  and  Louise  Goodenow  one 
in  all  their  social  and  political  interests;  and  the  gay 
throng  of  witnesses  did  not  pause  to  inquire  whether  a 
sacred,  mystical  union  of  hearts  had  been  consecrated 
by  the  rite. 

Then  followed  the  grand  reception  in  Mrs.  Howell's 
parlors,  where  the  select  "five  hundred"  admiring  and 
envious  friends  congratulated  the  newly-wedded,  ex- 
claimed of  the  bride,  "  How  beautiful !  how  queenly ! " 
examined  her  presents,  and  commented  upon  their  value 
and  rarity.  Elegant  dresses  were  crushed  by  the  crowd 
and  spoiled  by  the  spilling  of  coffee  and  creams,  rapid 
commonplaces  were  exhausted,  envy  and  jealousy  en- 
gendered, and  then  the  "fashionable  tide  ebbed,  leaving  the 
principal  actors  in  the  drama  to  congratulate  each  other  on 
the  success  and  brilliancy  of  the  play. 

"  The  whole  affair  has  passed  off  remarkably  well.  In- 
deed, one  may  say  it  has  placed  my  fair  sister-in-law's 
reputation  for  exquisite  taste  and  style  above  question  or 
cavil  —  a  brilliant  success !  "  remarked  Ralph  Goodenow,  in 
much  the  same  language  as  he  would  have  described  the 
successful  launching  of  a  ship,  and  with  no  deeper  emo- 
tion than  a  ready  disposal  of  fancy  stocks  would  have 
caused. 

"  Very  creditable,  quite  a  select  circle,  and  a  few  really 
stylish  and  handsome  dresses,"  added  Mrs.  Goodenow, 
glancing  in  the  mirror  at  her  own  fair  figure,  arrayed  in  an 
amber-colored  moire,  with  only  point  lace  and  diamonds  to 
shield  the  mature  beauty  of  her  neck  and  arms. 


EALPH   GOODENOW.  163 

"  How  very  odd  not  to  have  wine  or  dancing  at  a 
wedding  party!"  exclaimed  pretty  Miss  Hortense,  who 
found  everything  stupid  where  feet  were  not  taxed  to  sup- 
ply deficiencies  of  intellect. 

"  The  doctor  is  a  little  old-fashioned  in  some  of  his 
notions,"  Mrs.  Howell  answered,  in  a  mildly  apologetic 
tone.  "  He  is  so  very  utilitarian,  and  could  not  be  per- 
suaded that  dancing  was  appropriate  or  wine  necessary  on 
an  occasion  like  this."  The  becoming  dress  she  wore  and 
general  splendor  of  the  elaborate  affair  had  put  the  lady  of 
the  house  in  such  gracious  temper  that  she  could  afford  to 
be  generous  in  her  criticisms.  And  the  doctor  hearing  her 
comments,  it  should  be  recorded  to  the  credit  of  his  self- 
control  that  he  did  not  even  whistle. 

Three  days  later  the  bridal  party,  including  Mrs.  Howell, 
went  to  New  York,  and  the  "Metropolitan  "  soon  after  had 
the  honor  of  announcing  this  important  item  of  news  :  — 

"  Last  evening  a  brilliant  company  assembled  at  the 
princely  residence  of  Ralph  Goodenow,  Esq.,  to  crown 
with  congratulations  the  marriage  of  our  new  secretary  of 
legation,  and  to  wish  the  happy  couple  bon  voyage.  They 
sail  in  the  St.  Salvador,  for  Liverpool,  this  morning." 

Meanwhile  the  doctor  and  Diantha,  unruffled  by  the 
hurricane  of  style  and  fashion  which  had  swept  over  them, 
returned  to  that  wholesome  work  which  brings  sweet 
peace  and  contentment  to  the  soul. 


164  DR.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 

AFTER     THE     PLAY. 

"  Only  a  sweet  and  virtuous  soul, 

Like  seasoned  timber,  never  gives ; 
But  though  the  whole  world  turn  to  coal, 
Then  chiefly  lives." 

GEORGE  HERBERT. 

MRS.  HOWELL  only  remained  in  New  York  a  couple  of 
weeks  after  the  sailing  of  the  St.  Salvador — just  long 
enough,  as  she  assured  her  friends,  "  to  refresh  her  spirits 
after  the  sad  strain  of  parting  with  her  dear  Louise." 

But  she  did  not  seem,  to  the  watchful  eyes  of  the  doctor 
and  Diantha,  so  much  refreshed  as  might  reasonably  have 
been  expected,  considering  the  nature  of  the  tonics  used. 
"Ralph  and  his  wife  were  so  kind  and  so  considerate 
of  my  feelings,"  she  repeatedly  averred,  "  they  took  me 
everywhere.  "We  went  to  the  opera  four  times  to  hear 
the  new  star,  and  twice  to  Laura  Keene's,  to  see  the 
most  charming  little  comedy  brought  out  with  extraordi- 
nary talent.  And  there  were  several  delightful  matinees 
and  parties,  besides  drives  and  shopping  for  every  leisure 
hour — just  the  loveliest  importations  of  spring  goods ;  but 
I  had  no  heart  for  the  novelties,  because  it  was  so  full  of 
harrowing  thoughts  of  the  distance  which  was  daily  in- 
creasing between  Louise  and  me.  Every  pleasure  was 
robbed  of  its  zest  when  I  remembered  the  wide  stretch  of 
sea  that  must  separate  us  for  so  many  years." 

Dr.  Howell,  hearing  her  daily  parade  of  this  grief,  was 


AFTEK    THE    PLAY.  165 

more  than  once  tempted  to  remind  her  of  the  joy  and  ex- 
ultation she  had  manifested  in  regard  to  her  daughter's 
prospects,  when  she  had  known  the  marriage  must  involve 
the  present  separation  ;  but  he  generously  and  wisely  with- 
held words  that  could  but  increase  her  irritation,  and,  re- 
garding her  mental  state  as  the  natural  fruit  of  overtaxed 
energies  and  nervous  prostration,  he  was  patient  and  for- 
bearing. 

With  Diantha's  aid  he  was  constantly  devising  some 
quiet  amusement,  some  healthy  stimulus  for  her  mind; 
but  the  lady  was  so  sure  a  delicate  nature  like  hers  could 
not  be  understood  by  common  people,  that  all  the  doctor's 
attempts  to  entertain  and  console  her  failed.  She  in- 
trenched herself  behind  "her  sensitive  nerves  and  pecu- 
liarly delicate  organization,"  and,  refusing  all  sympathy, 
declared  she  "  had  never  felt  so  far  removed  from  her  dear 
Arthur,  since  the  day  of  his  funeral,  as  when  she  saw  the 
St.  Salvador  steaming  out  of  the  harbor,  and  the  only 
dear  pledge  of  his  love,  dressed  in  a  violet-colored  poplin 
travelling  suit,  waving  a  good  by  from  the  deck." 

Mrs.  Arthur  Goodenow's  first  letter  from  abroad  —  con- 
taining a  description  of  her  voyage  and  hurried  look  at 
Liverpool,  Chester,  and  London,  the  arrival  in  Paris,  and 
reception  by  the  American  embassy,  the  magnificent  toi- 
lets she  had  seen,  and  the  whirlpool  of  delights  in  which 
she  was  already  immersed  —  diverted  Mrs.  Howell,  and 
gave  a  more  cheerful  tone  to  her  conversation  for  several 
days. 

This  letter  appeared  to  reawaken  her  to  the  importance 
of  keeping  up  that  show  of  style  and  opulence  which  she 
had  so  adroitly  managed  to  display  in  her  preparations 
for  Lou's  marriage,  and  which  she  affirmed  would  be  ex- 
pected of  one  so  aristocratically  connected ;  and  a  carriage 
with  a  servant  in  livery  seemed  to  her  the  surest  way  of 


* 
166  DK.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

maintaining  that  exclusiveness  in  rank  and  fashion  which 
she  now"assumed  was  her  prerogative. 

She  had  thrown  out  frequent  hints  of  the  necessity  of 
owning  a  carriage  ever  since  her  first  visit  to  the  Goode- 
nows:  not  only  her  health,  comfort,  and  convenience  de- 
manded a  new  phaeton  like  Mrs.  Ralph's,  but  the  eyes  of 
the  good  people  of  Hanthrop  must  be  saved  from  the 
shock  of  seeing  her  drive  about  in  the  doctor's  old  buggy. 
And  seizing  a  favorable  after-dinner  hour,  when  Diantha 
was  engaged  with  Edna  in  the  room  which  Stephen  had 
christened  the  "  City  of  Refuge,"  when  the  doctor,  lean- 
ing back  in  his  favorite  chair,  was  thinking  of  those 
homes  into  which  he  had  carried  healing  and  hope,  his 
wife  opened  upon  him  the  complete  battery  of  her  elo- 
quence. 

"  How  much  longer,  doctor,  am  I  to  be  kept  in  doors  for 
want  of  a  suitable  vehicle  to  take  an  airing  in  ?  " 

"Not  many  days,  I  trust.  Leonard  told  me  this  morn- 
ing that  my  buggy  would  be  ready  for  use  to-morrow ;  but 
we  may  have  to  wait  a  day  or  two  longer.  It  is  being 
very  thoroughly  repaired,  newly  painted,  and  relined  with 
your  favorite  shade  of  dark-blue  billiard  cloth ;  and  for  the 
sake  of  your  convenience,  and  because  the  increase  of  my 
business  requires  it,  I  have  purchased  another  horse  —  a 
sorrel  mare,  having  such  an  excellent  reputation  for  docil- 
ity and  general  good  behavior,  that  I  shall  trust  you  and 
Diantha  to  drive  her,  though  Robert  will  always  be  at 
your  service." 

"  Do  you  think  I  shall  ride  out  for  pleasure,  and  to  call 
on  friends,  in  that  old  buggy  that  has  been  seen  standing 
before  every  house  in  Ferry  Street  and  Chandler's  Lane  ?  " 

"  Why  not  ?  If  it  has  ever  received  taint  or  contamina- 
tion from  those  neighborhoods,  its  new  paint  and  upholstery 
will  prove  an  effectual  antidote." 


AFTER   THE   PLAY.  167 

"  Dr.  Howell,  you  know  what  I  want,  and  what  you  can 
afford.  For  at  least  five  years  my  health  has  required  a 
daily  airing  in  an  easy  carriage ;  and  during  that  time  I 
have  probably  asked  you  a  hundred  times  to  assist  me  in 
preserving  my  life  for  my  dear  children's  sake,  by  giving 
me  the  control  of  a  family  carriage  that  would  neither  jar 
my  nerves  nor  shock  my  sense  of  propriety." 

"  And  a  hundred  times  I  have  told  you,  Mary,  that  I 
could  not  afford  the  expense  a  carriage  would  involve,  and, 
meantime,  have  made  the  best  provision  for  your  health 
and  comfort  that  my  means  would  permit." 

"  Yes,  I  have  been  invited  to  ride  with  you  from  Dan 
to  Beersheba  (meaning,  in  a  literal  sense,  from  Ferry 
Street  to  Chandler's  Lane),  stopping  at  ruinous  old  tene- 
ment houses  while  you  made  professional  calls,  when  you 
knew  that  seeing  the  poverty  and  wretchedness  of  those 
streets  always  depressed  my  spirits,  and,  of  course,  coun- 
teracted any  good  effects  I  might  have  received  from  the 
air  and  exercise. 

"  To  be  perfectly  frank  with  you,  doctor,  I  must  say  I'm 
tired  of  the  sight  and  sound  of  that  old  buggy.  When 
I  see  Mrs.  Metcalf,  Mrs.  Blossom,  and  a  score  of  ladies 
who  cannot  afford  such  luxuries  any  better  than  we  can, 
riding  past  me  in  carriages  that  have  a  family  crest  en- 
graved upon  the  doors,  and  a  servant  in  livery,  I  feel  as 
if  they  were  laughing  at  the  old  buggy,  and  commenting 
on  your  miserly  treatment  of  your  family." 

There  were  weary  lines  around  the  doctor's  mouth,  and 
a  curtain  of  troubled  thought  veiled  the  clear  light  of  his 
honest  eyes ;  and  when  he  spoke  there  was  a  heavy  under- 
tone of  disappointment  in  his  voice. 

"Mary,  it  will  be  a  profitless  theme  to  us  both  if  we  re- 
new the  old  discussion  about  keeping  up  a  show  of  style 
on  borrowed  capital  for  the  sake  of  other  people's  eyes 


168  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

and  tongues.  I  would  gladly  give  you  a  carriage  if  I  bad 
an  income  that  would  warrant  such  an  expense ;  but  I 
have  gone  just  as  far  as  ray  conscience  and  purse  will  per- 
mit me  in  repairing  the  old  buggy,  and  buying  another 
horse  to  place  at  your  disposal." 

"But  you  can  give  to  this  and  that  public  charity,  be- 
sides supporting  a  little  beggar  under  your  own  roof,  and 
neither  your  conscience  nor  your  purse  feels  the  strain. 
'Tis  only  in  considering  your  wife's  comfort  that  you  find 
your  means  limited  and  your  conscience  tender." 

Dr.  Howell  rose,  walked  quickly  to  the  window,  and 
looked  out  upon  the  fresh,  sweet  beauty  of  the  May  even- 
ing, whistling  an  old  tune,  while  his  interlaced  fingers 
were  pressed  closely  together,  as  if  the  mechanical  action 
of  both  lips  and  hands  were  necessary  to  force  back  words 
that  were  struggling  for  utterance.  When  he  spoke  it 
was  only  of  the  variety  and  abundance  of  the  brilliant 
blossoms  which  filled  with  brightness  and  fragrance  the 
small  garden-plot.  Mrs.  Howell  made  no  response  to  the 
doctor's  attempt  to  turn  the  conversation  into  a  more 
agreeable  channel,  but,  after  a  minute's  silence,  asked,  — 

"  Have  you  decided  that  I'm  not  to  have  a  carriage  this 
year?" 

"  Only  the  buggy." 

"Well,  then,  I  shall  only  ride  when  I  can  save  such 
pitiful  little  sums  from  the  interest  of  my  late  husband's 
bequest  as  will  enable  me  to  hire  a  carriage  from  the  liv- 
ery stable.  But  if  I  may  be  permitted  to  know  so  much 
of  your  affairs,  I  would  like  to  ask  how  your  large  income 
is  spent  ?  " 

Dr.  Howell  walked  quietly  from  the  room,  and  after  a 
minute's  absence  returned  with  a  bundle  of  receipted  bills, 
which,  without  comment,  he  placed  one  by  one  in  his 
wife's  hand. 


AFTEK   THE    PLAY.  169 

As  she  glanced  at  the  items  and  the  columns  of  figures, 
and  saw  that  since  the  first  of  January  her  husband  had 
paid  over  $8000  for  her  own  gratification,  and  for  the  pleas- 
ure and  benefit  of  his  step-daughter,  and  remembered  that 
many  of  these  bills  had  been  contracted  without  his  knowl- 
edge, and  the  generous  silence  he  had  preserved  regarding 
them,  there  was  enough  of  true  womanhood  and  wifely 
feeling  in  her  heart  to  cause  a  surging  of  hot  color  to  her 
face,  and  a  few  words  of  surprise  to  escape  her  lips,  that 
such  " unconsidered  trifles"  should  assume  such  gigantic 
proportions.  But,  rallying  from  her  confusion,  she  found 
courage  to  say,  — 

"A  wedding  does  not  occur  in  our  family  every  year; 
and  if  I've  been  a  little  extravagant  in  getting  my  dear, 
fatherless  child  fairly  started  in  the  world,  I  think  the 
peculiar  position  she  will  occupy  sufficiently  justifies  my 
lavish  expenditure.  It's  not  likely  she'll  ever  require  any 
more  assistance  from  you;  and  besides,  I  confidently  hope 
to  refund  the  money  you  have  spent  upon  Louise  when 
the  Eureka  disburses  dividends." 

"I  do  not  expect  nor  wish  any  refunding  of  money, 
Mary ;  I  have  done  cheerfully  what  I  could  lor  Louise,  and 
I  wish  her  to  understand,  that,  though  I'm  not  particularly 
pleased  with  the  alliance  she  has  made,  yet,  if  reverses 
come  to  her,  my  home  shall  be  as  cordially  free  to  her  as 
if  she  were  my  own  child.  I  showed  you  those  bills,  not 
to  taunt  you  with  your  extravagance,  but  to  answer  your 
questions,  and  to  assure  you  that  I  had  sufficient  reasons 
for  refusing  to  set  up  a  carriage  this  year.  But  let  me  en- 
treat you,  my  dear  wife,  not  to  anticipate  the  wealth  which 
Ralph  Goodenow  has  promised,  nor  to  contract  debts  hop- 
ing to  pay  them  with  the  expansion  of  yonr  fancy  stocks. 
I  have  no  confidence  in  him,  nor  faith  in  his  investments, 
and  I  am  prepared  for  any  losses  which  you  and  Louise 
may  sustain  through  him." 


170  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"Doctor,  you  are  unjustly  prejudiced  against  both  Ralph 
and  Arthur,  simply  because  their  lives  flow  in  such  differ- 
ent channels  from  your  own.  Ralph  may  be  a  trifle  too 
sanguine  and  worldly,  but  you  must  admit  that  Arthur  is 
very  distinguished  in  manners  and  conversation,  and  that 
his  present  position  is  a  highly  complimentary  one  to  his 
talents." 

"  He  is  not  without  talent,  and  has  no  lack  of  tact  and 
shrewdness ;  but  I  infer  that  his  appointment  is  more  com- 
plimentary to  Ralph's  money  than  to  Arthur's  intellect. 
His  present  position  is  at  best  a  temporary  one,  and,  re- 
lieved from  that,  he  proposes  to  seek  office  at  home.  He 
must  become  involved  in  political  imbroglios,  be  tossed 
about  with  every  wind  and  wave  of  party  strife,  and  be 
exposed  to  the  wear  and  tear  of  public  life,  the  temptations 
and  vexations  of  which  have  dragged  many  stronger  na- 
tures than  his  into  mad  storms  of  vice  and  wretchedness. 
If,  in  devoting  himself  to  politics,  he  had  a  great  and  high- 
toned  principle  in  his  soul,  stimulating  him  to  secure  the 
welfare  of  our  republican  institutions,  to  legislate  with  pu- 
rity and  singleness  of  heart  for  the  upbuilding  of  the  peo- 
ple, I  should  predict  an  honorable  career  for  him.  But  as 
far  as  I  could  discover,  he  seeks  office  only  to  obtain  rank, 
influence,  and  money  as  a  sinecure  for  ease  and  emolument 
without  manly  effort." 

Diantha's  opportune  entrance  at  this  point  in  the  con- 
versation was  like  an  unexpected  gleam  of  sunshine  through 
the  rifts  of  an  angry  cloud.  Mrs.  Howell's  chagrin  and  dis- 
appointment at  the  result  of  her  appeal  for  a  carriage  were 
not  softened  by  the  doctor's  reasons  for  refusal,  coming  as 
they  did  in  the  shape  of  those  bills;  and  since  the  glamour 
of  Lou's  engagement  and  marriage  had  somewhat  paled, 
there  had  crept  into  her  heart  a  shadow  of  distrust  regard- 
ing Ralph  Goodenow's  stocks  and  investments,  which  made 


AFTEK   THE    PLAY.       .  171 

allusions  to  that  subject  rather  unwelcome,  and  probably 
accounted  for  the  dissatisfied,  captious,  and  critical  spirit 
that  had  clung  so  tenaciously  to  her  since  her  return  from 
New  York.  Dissension  was  as  foreign  to  the  doctor's  gen- 
ial, generous  soul,  whose  windows  were  always  "  open  to 
the  whole  noon  of  nature,"  as  the  frosts  of  January  were  to 
midsummer,  and  therefore  he  greeted  Diantha  with  a  grate- 
ful, welcoming  smile.  She  approached  her  father  with  a 
conscious  blush,  and  placed  in  his  hand  an  unopened  letter, 
the  superscription  of  which  had  become  familiar  to  her 
during  the  last  two  months;  and  perceiving  that  some  dis- 
turbing influence  had  robbed  him  of  his  after-dinner  rest, 
and  that  a  shadow  of  injured  pride  marred  the  cold  beauty 
of  her  mother's  face,  she  seated  herself  at  the  piano,  and, 
selecting  such  passages  from  her  favorite  composers  as 
breathed  the  purest  and  calmest  spirit,  she  played  and 
sang  with  a  heart  so  full  of  earnest  desire  to  scatter  heal- 
ing and  perfume,  that  her  sweet  tones  could  hardly  fail  of 
their  beneficent  mission. 

"  Your  style  of  singing  is  wonderfully  impi'oved  of  late, 
Di,"  Mrs.  Howell  remarked  when  her  daughter  turned  from 
the  instrument.     She  spoke  with  a  coolness  that  implied 
her  own  superior  appreciation  of  artistic  merit. 
"Have  you  had  lessons  this  winter?" 
"  One  term,  while  you  were  in  New  York." 
Such  a  question  from  a  mother,  under  ordinary  circum- 
stances, would  have  sounded  strangely  unnatural ;  but  we 
must  remember  Mrs.  Ho  well's  peculiar  preoccupation  of 
thought  during  the  winter,  not  only  for  her  eldest  daugh- 
ter, but  for  the  securing  of  a  higher  round  on  the  social 
ladder  than  she  had  previously  attained. 

"I  imagined  you  had  neglected  all  self-culture  in  your 
devotion  to  Edna,"  added  Mrs.  Howell,  carelessly.  "Have 
you  kept  up  your  French  ?  " 


172  DR.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

"Never  so  successfully  as  since  Edna  has  been  with  me, 
mamma,  because  she  speaks  the  language  with  remarkable 
readiness  and  purity.  I  have  been  wishing  for  a  chance  to 
exhibit  some  of  my  little  pupil's  accomplishments  before 
you ;  but  she  is  so  shy  and  modest,  and  you  have  been  so 
very  much  occupied,  that  I've  never  found  a  favorable 
hour." 

"  How  much  longer  will  it  be  necessary  for  us  to  give 
Edna  a  home  ?  " 

This  was  a  question  which  the  doctor  and  Diantha  had 
been  expecting  for  several  weeks,  and  both  desired  to 
thrust  direct  opposition  to  Mrs.  Howell's  wishes  as  far  into 
the  future  as  possible,  hoping,  meantime,  that  she  would 
become  reconciled  to  the  child's  sweet  presence  in  the 
family.  Dr.  Howell  roused  himself  from  the  reverie  into 
which  the  music  and  the  letter  had  plunged  him  to  answer 
his  wife's  query. 

"  I  have  a  letter  here  from  Captain  Ashmead ;  you  re- 
member, Mary,  he  was  one  of  the  survivors  of  the  Stella, 
the  person  who  found  Edna  and  her  mother  in  great  dis- 
tress and  poverty  in  Smyrna,  and  gave  them  free  passage 
in  his  ship  to  this  country.  As  no  relatives  have  been 
found  who  can  protect  this  child,  Cnptain  Ashmead  and 
myself  have  voluntarily  assumed  the  rights  and  responsi- 
bilities of  joint  guardianship.  He  is  coming  to  Hanthrop 
next  week,  and  we  shall  then  take  counsel  together  con- 
cerning Edna.  We  must  cast  her  forth  unprotected  upon 
the  charities  of  the  world,  or  send  her  to  an  asylum  for  or- 
phans, or  support  her  in  a  boarding-school,  unless  you  can 
consent  to  her  remaining  under  our  roof  as  Diantha's  pro- 
tegee." 

"How  much  less  than  the  expense  of  a  carriage,  with 
horses  and  driver,  will  be  this  child's  board,  clothing,  and 
education?"  asked  Mrs.  Howell,  with  flashing  eyes  and 
quivering  lips. 


AFTEE   THE    PLAY.  173 

"It  will  cost  from  three  to  four  hundred  dollars  per  year 
to  keep  Edna  in  a  good  boarding-school;  in  our  own  fam- 
ily, under  Daisy's  care  and  tutelage,  the  expense  of  keep- 
ing her  will  be  a  comparatively  trifling  sum.  I  cannot  buy 
such  a  carriage  and  span  as  you  desire  for  less  than  one 
thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  and  the  expense  of  board 
for  the  horses  and  wages  for  the  driver  will  be  as  much 
more.  Think  for  a  minute,  Mary,  which  will  afford  us  the 
highest  gratification  when  the  fashions  of  this  world  are 
fading  from  our  eyes,  the  memory  of  assistance  rendered 
to  a  helpless  orphan,  or  of  an  income  spent  solely  on  self- 
ish pleasures?  and  remember,  He  whom  we  have  prom- 
ised to  obey  and  imitate  delighteth  in  the  exercise  of  lov- 
ing-kindness and  mercy." 

Dr.  Howell,  quietly  bidding  his  wife  and  daughter  good 
night,  passed  from  the  parlor  with  the  calm  dignity  of  a 
soul  so  firmly  anchored,  so  strong  and  pure  in  its  instincts 
and  convictions,  as  to  rise  unruffled  above  the  jars  and  dis- 
cords of  his  domestic  life.  And  Mrs.  Howell,  in  no  envia- 
ble mood,  sat  reviewing  the  history  of  her  winter,  while 
Diantha,  with  admirable  tact,  sought  with  music  and  read- 
ing to  pour  oil  on  the  troubled  waters  of  her  mother's 
heart. 


174  DR.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

GUARDIANS     AKD     WARD. 

"  Why,  man,  she  is  mine  own; 
And  I  as  rich,  in  having  such  a  jewel, 
As  twenty  seas,  if  all  their  sand  were  pearl, 
The  water  nectar,  and  the  rocks  pure  gold." 

SHAKESPEARE. 

CAPTAIN  ASHMEAD  came  to  Hanthrop,  as  his  letter  had 
intimated  that  he  would,  ostensibly  to  see  Edna,  and  con- 
sult with  the  doctor  about  her  future ;  and  presenting  him- 
self at  the  office  before  seeking  the  hospitalities  of  his 
friend's  house,  the  two  guardians  of  the  orphaned  child 
discussed  her  welfare,  and  arranged  plans  for  her  educa- 
tion ;  but  the  captain's  lingering  hesitation,  after  his  ward's 
affairs  had  been  talked  over,  revealed  to  the  doctor's  quick 
apprehension  a  shadow  of  something  which  he  feared  to 
meet;  and  Dr.  Howell  never  lacked  moral  courage  for 
combating  anything  whose  boundaries  of  right  and  wrong 
were  distinctly  defined,  and  where  he  was  sure  selfish 
interest  did  not  blunt  his  perceptions,  and  warp  his  judg- 
ment. 

"I  shall  have  no  reservation  with  you,  Dr.  Howell.  I 
have  come  to  Hanthrop  more  for  the  sake  of  seeing  your 
daughter  than  because  I  supposed  Edna  Shreve  could  be 
benefited  by  my  visit ;  but  I  must  tell  you,  before  I  have 
your  permission  to  call,  that  I  love  her." 

Captain  Ashmead's  brown  face  flushed  for  a  moment 


GUARDIANS   AND   WARD.  175 

almost  as  deeply  as  a  young  girl's  would  in  making  such  a 
confession ;  but  he  looked  straight  in  the  eyes  of  his  friend 
while  pausing  for  encouragement  or  reply  to  his  implied 
question.  No  word  escaped  Dr.  Howell's  lips,  and  no  look 
or  sign  bade  him  proceed. 

"I  love  her,  doctor;  but  while  I  could  see  no  signal- 
lights,  nor  chance  of  anchorage,  I  tried  to  conquer  the 
feeling,  and  persuade  myself  it  was  a  fancy  that  would 
float  away ;  still,  despite  my  struggles,  this  new  emotion 
has  given  shape  and  color  to  all  my  thoughts  and  plans 
ever  since  you  permitted  her  pure  hand  to  touch  mine." 

It  did  not  mollify  the  doctor's  hard  trial  to  remember 
that  his  own  wishes  had  led  his  daughter  to  the  Bonse- 
cour,  and  that,  in  obedience  to  his  own  request,  she  had 
been  an  angel  of  mercy  to  his  patient.  "My  Daisy,"  he 
sighed  ;  and  even  in  the  utterance  of  those  two  words, 
in  the  emphasis  placed  upon  the  possessive  pronoun,  the 
father  betrayed  his  fear  that  another's  love  should  rob  him 
of  the  exclusive  right  to  say  "  my  own."  And  looking  in 
the  captain's  clear  eyes,  noting  the  earnestness,  purity, 
and  strength  of  his  face,  he  could  but  acknowledge  that 

O  '  O 

a  woman's  happiness  might  safely  be  trusted  in  such 
keeping. 

"I'm  not  conceited  enough,  doctor,  to  think  I'm  worthy 
of  such  a  gift  as  your  daughter's  love,  and  of  course  it 
will  be  a  long  time  before  I  can  offer  her  a  suitable  home; 
but  I  should  sail  for  Cuba  with  a  light  heart  if  I  could 
only  carry  the  hope  that  she  would  some  day  be  mine. 
I'm  not  used  to  the  ways  of  the  world ;  but  it  didn't  seem 
straightforward  to  call  again  at  your  house  until  I  had 
your  permission." 

"I  thought  you  had  decided  to  seek  employment  on 
shore,"  said  the  doctor,  trying  to  evade  an  answer  to  the 
captain's  request. 


176  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"And  so  1  have;  but,  meantime,  I  couldn't  afford  to  be 
idle  while  waiting  for  something  to  turn  up ;  and  when 
Elliot  Prime  wrote  last  week,  offering  me  the  command 
of  the  Aurora,  and  the  loan  of  a  thousand  dollars,  with 
which  to  do  a  little  business  for  myself,  that  should  not 
interfere  with  the  legitimate  trade  of  the  Aurora,  it  did 
not  take  me  many  hours  to  decide  that  this  was  a  provi- 
dential opening.  I  go  to  New  York  to-morrow  to  super- 
intend the  outfit  and  lading  of  the  brig,  and  we  hope  to 
sail  for  Cuba  the  last  of  next  week." 

"Is  Elliot  Prime  owner  of  the  brig?"  asked  Dr.  How- 
ell;  not  that  he  cared  for  information  on  that  point,  but  to 
learn,  perhaps  indirectly,  more  of  his  visitor's  antecedents. 

"She  belongs  to  the  firm  of  'Dillingham  &  Prime;' 
and  for  three  years  before  I  commanded  the  Stella,  I  was 
mate  of  the  Juniata,  one  of  their  merchantmen.  Prime 
feels  indebted  to  me  for  the  care  I  took  of  a  brother  of 
his,  who  made  a  long  voyage  in  the  Juniata  for  the  pur- 
pose of  breaking  up  habits  of  dissipation.  The  young 
man  was  confided  specially  to  me  ;  and  as  he  was  returned 
to  his  family  sound  in  mind  and  strong  in  body,  they  over- 
estimate the  personal  influence  I  had  in  his  restoration,  and 
express  their  gratitude  by  heaping  favors  upon  me." 

"How  long  do  you  intend  to  command  the  Aurora?" 

"If  she  is  successful,  and  I  give  satisfaction  to  the  own- 
ers, I  ought,  in  consideration  of  all  they  have  done  for  me, 
to  command  her  at  least  a  year." 

"  And  then  what  do  you  propose  doing  ?  " 

""Well,  sir,  I  have  no  well-defined  plan;  but  when  I 
wrote  Elliot  Prime  that  since  the  change  in  my  religious 
views  I  had  been  hoping  to  find  a  berth  in  some  snug 
harbor  where  I  could  be  more  actively  useful  than  a  sea- 
faring life  permits  a  man  to  be,  and  that  if  I  took  command 
of  the  Aurora,  it  would  be  only  until  some  more  congenial 


GUARDIANS   AND   WARD.  177 

employment  presented  itself,  he  returned  this  answer." 
And  the  captain  took  from  the  side-pocket  of  his  coat  a 
letter,  which  he  handed  the  doctor,  adding,  "I  couldn't 
thrust  my  affairs  upon  you  in  this  wholesale  way,  if  I 
didn't  recognize  your  right  to  learn  as  much  of  my  past 
life  and  future  prospects  as  possible  before  permitting  me 
to  call  on  your  daughter." 

Elliot  Prime's  letter  was  a  warm  testimonial  of  grateful 
friendship,  expressing  sympathy  with  the  captain's  desire 
to  obtain  business  that  should  secure  for  him  a  permanent 
home  on  shore.  The  ship-owner  alluded  to  the  great  in- 
debtedness of  his  family,  and  their  wish  to  render  him 
material  aid,  and  then  added  that  his  influence  and  that 
of  his  friends  should  be  used  to  secure  for  him  some  lucra- 
tive employment.  "My  wife's  brother,"  he  wrote,  "is  a 
senator,  and  a  man  of  large  political  and  social  influence. 
It  is  often  in  his  power  to  secure  honorable  and  profitable 
positions  for  his  friends;  and  I  confidently  trust  within  a 
year  something  may  be  found  that  will  promote  your 
activity,  usefulness,  and  happiness." 

"What  kind  of  business  are  you  best  fitted  for?"  asked 
the  doctor,  returning  the  merchant's  letter  to  Captain 
Ashmead. 

"  I  believe  I  have  a  natural  tact  for  teaching ;  and  I  have 
friends  who  think  I  am  qualified  for  a  professorship.  My 
knowledge  of  navigation,  civil  engineering,  and  mathe- 
matics, is  sufficient  to  give  me  confidence  to  teach  those 
branches.  Then  my  business  has  made  me  quite  familiar 
with  custom-house  duties.  I  made  several  voyages  as 
supercargo  before  I  was  twenty-five.  Partly  from  an  in- 
nate love  of  study,  and  partly  because  the  leisure  of  a 
long  voyage  hangs  heavy  on  a  man,  I  have  acquired  some 
knowledge  of  books  during  my  seafaring  life,  which  I 
trust  can  be  made  of  service ;  and  until  I  was  eighteen 
12 


178  DE.    HOWELL  S    FAMILY. 

years  of  age,  I  had  received  excellent  and  thorough  instruc- 
tion from  my  father,  who  was  an  educated  man.  But, 
Dr.  Howell,  at  thirty-two  years  of  age  I  am  without 
means,  and  have  never  tested  my  ability  to  succeed  in  any 
business  or  profession  on  land,  and,  with  a  keen  sense  of 
my  unworthiness,  I  come  to  you  empty-handed,  but  with 
an  honest  heart,  full  of  love  for  your  daughter." 

There  was  a  reverence  in  the  captain's  tones,  a  light  in 
his  eyes,  and  a  dignity  in  his  bearing,  that  were  powerful 
pleaders  in  his  behalf. 

"  Do  you  intend  to  tell  Diantha  of  your  love  ? "  asked 
the  doctor. 

"Not  unless  you  give  me  permission,  though  you  must 
know,  if  I  could  receive  from  her  an  assurance  that  my  love 
might  win  a  return,  it  would  be  a  great  incentive  to  ex- 
ertion, and  would  give  my  life  a  zest  and  sweetness  it  has 
never  known." 

"  Captain  Ashmead,  your  frankness  demands  from  me 
equally  straightforward  dealing.  Whjle  I  have  great  re- 
gard for  you,  and  admire  certain  qualities  of  your  heart 
and  brain,  I  remember  you  have  no  home  to  offer  with 
your  love,  and  no  definite  vocation ;  that  your  business 
capacities  have  never  been  tested ;  and  that  at  least  two 
years  must  elapse  before  you  have  a  right  to  ask  any 
woman  to  share  your  uncertain  fortunes.  I  have  dis- 
covered in  Diantha  a  stronger  feeling  of  regard  for  you 
than  has  ever  quickened  her  pulses  before ;  and  if  you 
should  tell  her  in  words  of  your  love,  I've  no  doubt  the 
strong  tide  of  her  generous  nature  would  be  turned  to- 
wards you  ;  and  then,  if,  after  a  long,  tedious  waiting  and 
trusting  on  her  part,  you  should  be  found  unworthy  of 
"such  a  treasure,  your  love  would  prove  a  crown  of  sorrow 
rather  than  rejoicing  to  her.  If  I  seem  cold  and  politic, 
my  good  friend,  set  it  down  to  the  depth  and  tenderness 


GUARDIANS   AND    WARD.  179 

of  my  fatherly  love,  which  would  shield,  if  possible,  this 
little  Daisy  of  mine  from  every  rough  wind  and  sad  ex- 
perience. I  cannot  refuse  your  request  to  call  at  my  house 
as  a  friend,  though  my  judgment  tells  me  it  would  be  bet- 
ter for  you  both  not  to  meet  until  your  position  gives  a 
pledge  of  your  ability  to  protect  the  woman  you  love ;  but 
I  inadvertently  spoke  of  your  coming  to  Hanthrop,  and 
as  Diantha  and  Edna  are  expecting  to  see  you,  I  will  not 
disappoint  them." 

Captain  Ashmead  sat  with  bowed  head  for  a  minute 
after  the  doctor  ceased  speaking ;  and  if,  when  his  face 
was  raised,  there  was  a  shadow  of  disappointment  in  it, 
he  did  not  permit  the  feeling  to  escape  in  words. 

"I  see  the  justice  of  your  decision,  Dr.  Howell,  and 
thank  you  heartily  for  softening  it,  by  speaking  as  you 
did  of  your  daughter's  regard :  even  that  slight  encour- 
agement will  be  a  mine  of  strength  to  me.  Am  I  to 
understand,  if  my  record  for  the  next  two  years  is  fair  and 
satisfactory,  that  I  shall  then  have  your  permission  to  tell 
your  daughter  of  my  love  ?  " 

The  doctor's  hesitation  was  not  in  keeping  with  the 
genial  honesty  that  characterized  his  dealings  with  his 
fellow-men  :  coldness,  reticence,  and  selfishness  were  never 
permitted  to  stain  the  tablets  of  his  soul ;  but  here  was  a 
man  asking  for  his  one  pet  lamb  —  the  solace  and  light  of 
his  home,  the  cheerful  sharer  of  his  toils  —  her  who  was 
so  familiar  with  his  pursuits,  and  always  so  ready  to 
write  for  him,  read  to  him,  and  soothe  him  with  her  music, 
that  parting  from  her  would  be  almost  like  giving  up  his 
right  hand,  or  his  sense  of  sight  and  sound.  But  when 
he  asked  himself  if  his  daughter's  life  could  always  flow 
on  as  sweetly  and  cheerfully  if  he  withheld  from  it  that 
share  of  Eden  which  is  the  birthright  of  woman,  his  soul 
could  make  but  one  answer. 


180  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"Captain  Ashmead,  I  will  endeavor  so  to  purge  iny 
love  for  Diantha  from  its  selfishness,  that  it  shall  never 
cloud  her  happiness.  I  shall  doubtless  be  as  willing  to 
yield  my  treasure  to  your  keeping  as  to  that  of  any  other 
man." 

Dr.  Howell  extended  his  hand  while  speaking ;  and  the 
captain's  eager  grasping  of  it  was  his  only  expression  of 
thanks ;  but  the  moisture  in  his  eyes  told  of  the  foun- 
tain in  his  heart,  upon  which  a  heavenly  benediction  had 
fallen. 

"  Come  and  dine  with  us  at  six  o'clock  this  evening," 
said  the  doctor,  with  a  flavor  of  his  accustomed  heartiness 
in  voice  and  manner;  and  with  a  grateful  thank-offering, 
the  captain  accepted  the  invitation. 

If  Dr.  Howell  had  nourished  a  secret  hope  that  absence 
from  her  friend  and  a  multitude  of  absorbing  pursuits 
would  banish  him  from  Diantha's  memory,  or  cool  the 
ai'dor  of  an  attachment  formed  under  circumstances  pecu- 
liarly calculated  to  draw  out  the  wealth  of  a  woman's 
nature,  the  meeting  between  the  two  convinced  him  of 
the  poverty  of  such  a  hope.  Diantha's  words  were  few, 
and  such  as  would  have  been  used  in  greeting  any  friend ; 
but  the  eager  welcome  in  her  eyes,  and  the  quick  flushing 
and  paling  of  her  face,  would  have  freighted  the  common- 
est words  with  eloquent  meaning ;  and  no  matter  how  con- 
ventional and  guarded  Captain  Ashmead  might  be  in 
speech,  there  was  a  language  in  his  heart  that  could  never 
be  quite  controlled ;  it  found  utterance  in  his  eyes,  and 
in  the  long,  firm  clasp  of  the  small  hand  that  trembled 
in  his. 

Mrs.  Howell,  not  knowing  that  their  guest  was  more  to 
the  doctor  or  Diantha  than  an  ordinary  patient,  received 
him  with  as  much  favor  and  courtesy  as  she  usually  be- 
stowed on  a  stranger  who  had  not  the  recommendation  of 


GUARDIANS    AND    WAKD.  181 

wealth  or  acknowledged  position  ;  and  that  was  a  formal 
politeness,  cold  enough  to  chill  the  most  tropical  nature. 
Edna  alone  was  natural  and  untrammelled.  In  her  glad- 
ness at  finding  herself  once  more  with  the  friend  who  had 
been  kind  to  her  mamma,  she  even  forgot  the  restraints  of 
Mrs.  Howell's  presence,  and  laughed  and  chatted  with  a 
bird-like  gush  and  freedom. 

"  What  have  you  done  with  your  crutches  ? "  asked 
Edna,  as  soon  as  she  was  installed  in  her  old  place  by  the 
captain,  upon  whom  she  leaned  as  familiarly  as  if  he  had 
been  her  father. 

They  were  left  in  the  parsonage  at  Holly ville,  and  a 
curly-headed  little  nephew  of  mine  makes  horses  of  them. 
I  doubt  if  the  sailors  would  permit  me  to  command  the 
Aurora  with  such  companions  on  board ;  they  are  super- 
stitious." 

"Don't  you  need  them  any  longer  ?  " 

"  No  ;  thanks  to  the  skill  of  Dr.  Howell  and  the  inventor 
of  cork  limbs,  I  have  but  a  slight  limp,  and  need  only  a 
cane.  And  I  see  that  my  little  ward  has  been  improving 
as  rapidly  as  her  guardian,"  said  the  captain,  laying  his 
hand  upon  Edna's  short,  thick  curls.  "  She  never  had  as 
much  color  or  plumpness  in  her  cheeks  even  when  they 
were  kissed  by  the  sea  breezes.  But  what  has  become  of 
that  long  hair  ?  " 

"  Dr.  Howell  said  it  must  be  cut,  because  my  sickness 
made  it  so  thin." 

"I'm  not  sure  but  I  like  the  short  curls  better;  and  I'm 
very  certain  that  I  like  the  color  and  brightness  that  have 
crept  back  to  your  face  and  eyes.  And  what  about  the 
lessons,  little  one  ?  " 

"You  must  ask  Miss  Howell ;  she  makes  study  so  easy 
and  pleasant,  I  cannot  help  learning." 

"Captain  Ashmead   knows   a   quick   and   docile   pupil 


182  DR.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

makes  pastime  of  a  teacher's  work ;  and  then  the  assist- 
ance I  give  Edna  is  hardly  worthy  the  name  of  teaching; 
we  help  each  other,"  answered  Dianlha. 

"  I'm  sure  Di  spends  as  much  time  on  your  ward,  Cap- 
tain Ashmead,  as  a  dozen  pupils  need  require.  I  hope 
Edna  appreciates  what  is  done  for  her,"  said  Mrs.  Howell. 

"  We  could  hardly  expect  a  chit  of  thirteen  to  know 
the  full  value  of  the  services  she  is  receiving,"  answered 
the  captain.  "  However,  I  have  faith  that  seed  sown  on 
such  soil  will  in  time  yield  an  abundant  harvest  ;"  and 
then,  turning  to  the  doctor,  he  added,  — 

"  My  sister  wishes  Edna  to  spend  a  couple  of  the  sum- 
mer months  in  her  parsonage,  where  she  will  have  the  ben- 
efit of  the  mountain  air,  plenty  of  new  milk,  delicious  ber- 
ries, any  quantity  of  romps  with  my  nephew  and  nieces, 
and  as  much  petting  from  ray  mother  and  sister  as  will  be 
beneficial  to  our  ward." 

"  Your  sister  is  very  kind,  and  we  may  be  glad  to  accept 
her  proposal  for  Edna,  as  our  plans  for  the  summer  are  still 
unsettled ;  we  usually  treat  ourselves  to  the  luxuries  of 
the  country  for  a  few  weeks,"  said  the  doctor. 

"  Then  let  me  say  a  few  words  in  favor  of  Hollyville, 
one  of  the  most  charming  summer  resorts  I've  ever  seen, 
and  getting  to  be  a  favorite  with  pleasure-seekers,  rny 
brother-in-law  tells  me.  You  will  find  mountain,  lake, 
hill,  meadow,  and  river  scenery  as  daintily  combined  in 
the  landscape  as  if  the  Great  Artist  had  tried  to  see  how 
much  beauty  could  be  lavished  and  concentrated  on  a  few 
miles'  space." 

"You  have  been  a  great  traveller,  Captain  Ashmead," 
remarked  Mrs.  Howell,  apparently  willing  to  be  enter- 
tained by  her  guest,  though  still  preserving  her  critical 
and  reserved  air. 

"  Yes ;  and  you  may  infer,  madam,  that  a  man  tossed 


GUARDIANS    AND    WARD.  183 

about  upon  the  salt  water  for  fourteen  years  cannot  be  a 
very  good  judge  of  scenery ;  but  I've  sometimes  thought 
the  very  monotony  and  barrenness  of  ocean  life  make 
one  more  keenly  alive  to  the  variety  and  richness  of  the 
land.  I've  had  glimpses  of  some  of  the  fairest  islands  in 
the  world,  some  of  the  grandest  mountains  and  most  pic- 
turesque rivers;  I'm  familiar  with  the  scenery  of  the  Rhine 
and  the  Shenandoah,  the  Alps  and  the  Andes;  but  I  think 
I've  found  as  much  graceful  harmony  and  sublime  gran- 
deur in  New  England  as  in  any  other  part  of  the  world." 

Captain  Ashmead  was  fast  losing  his  unnatural  reserve, 
and,  with  a  little  encouragement  from  his  host,  was  drawn 
out  in  such  animated  and  intelligent  descriptions  of  towns, 
cathedrals,  ruins,  places  of  historic  interest,  pictures,  works 
of  art,  and  natural  scenery,  that  at  least  one  of  his  audi- 
tors was  convinced  he  had  garnered  from  his  travels  a 
wealth,  culture,  and  development  far  exceeding  in  value 
that  more  tangible  substance  which  the  wreck  of  the  Stella 
had  swept  from  him.  His  urbanity,  sailor-like  frankness, 
and  heartiness  gave  such  piquancy  to  his  conversation, 
that  when  he  rose  to  make  his  adieus,  even  Mrs.  Howell's 
hauteur  melted;  and  the  doctor  observed  the  lingering 
clasp  in  which  Diantha's  hand  was  held  with  less  regret 
than  he  would  have  felt  three  hours  before,  and,  when  his 
guest  was  gone,  comforted  himself  with  the  remembrance 
that 

"  things  done  well, 
And  with  a  care,  exempt  themselves  from  fear." 


184  DE.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

PASSING    CLOUDS. 

"  God's  dealings  still  are  love.    His  chastenings  are  alone 
Love,  now  compelled  to  take  an  altered,  louder  tone." 

"  Prosperity's  the  very  bond  of  love, 
Whose  fresh  complexion  and  whose  heart  together 
Affliction  alters." 

SHAKESPEARE. 

"  DOCTOR,  I  have  a  letter  hei-e  from  brother  Ralph's 
agent,  or  lawyer,  and  some  parts  of  it  I  don't  quite  under- 
stand. I  must  ask  explanations  of  you,  and  advice." 

Dr.  Howell  rose  from  his  writing-desk  with  an  exclama- 
tion of  surprise  at  the  call,  joined  with  a  word  of  welcome 
to  his  wife ;  and  clearing  a  chair  of  the  books  and  pam- 
phlets, which  were  somewhat  carelessly  disposed  during  his 
study  hours,  invited  her  to  sit  while  he  read  the  letter  she 
handed  him. 

Only  on  very  rare  occasions  had  Mrs.  Howell's  hand- 
some presence  ornamented  the  doctoi''s  office:  the  odor 
of  drugs  offended  her  olfactories,  and  reminded  her  of 
that  daily  drudgery  which  warped  her  husband's  intellect, 
dwarfed  his  ambition,  and  contaminated  him  with  plebeian 
associations ;  and  rarer  still  were  the  occasions  when  she 
had  sought  his  advice,  since  her  elder  daughter  had  ac- 
quired that  habit  of  dictation  which  is  the  natural  fruit  of 
egotism  and  certain  kiuds  of  culture ;  and  it  cost  the  lady 
no  little  sacrifice  of  pride  to  appeal  to  the  doctor  at  this 


PASSING    CLOUDS.  185 

crisis,  though  she  could  not  recall  a  single  instance  where 
he  had  even  implied  reproach  by  saying,  "  I  told  you  so," 
when  any  project  of  hers  failed  which  had  not  received  his 
sanction. 

The  lawyer's  letter  briefly  informed  Mrs.  Howell  that, 
"owing  to  unforeseen  and  adverse  circumstances  in  the 
excavating  and  smelting  of  copper  ore,  the  officers  of 
the  Eureka  Company  found  it  absolutely  necessary,  in 
order  to  prosecute  the  mining  operations,  to  assess  the 
shares  of  the  stockholders.  Ten  per  cent,  of  the  par  value 
of  the  shares  had  been  levied,  and  Mrs.  Howell,  owning 
twenty  shares,  valued  at  one  hundred  dollars  each,  would 
be  required  to  pay  two  hundred  dollars." 

When  the  doctor  had  finished  reading  the  agent's  letter, 
his  lips  almost  involuntarily  assumed  such  peculiar  rela- 
tionships to  each  other  that  his  characteristic  expression 
of  disturbed  mental  equilibrium  might  have  escaped,  had 
he  not  remembered  in  season  his  wife's  antipathy  to  his 
inartistic  performances ;  but  observing  the  anxiety  and 
annoyance  that  ruffled  her  fair  face,  he  made  no  com- 
ments, and  only  asked,  — 

"What  part  of  this  letter  do  you  want  explained, 
Mary?" 

"  Why,  I  have  been  expecting  every  day  for  the  last 
two  months  a  dividend  of  at  least  ten  per  cent,  on  each  of 
my  shares,  and  no  one  ever  told  me  they  might  be  an  ex- 
pense, instead  of  an  income." 

"I  could  have  told  you  of  such  a  possibility  before  you 
invested,  only  I  hoped  Ralph  Goodenow  would  have  ex- 
plained to  you  all  liabilities.  I  knew  you  trusted  more 
confidently  to  his  judgment  in  business  matters  than  to 
mine.  Latham's  letter  is  a  concise  statement,  and,  doubt- 
less, may  be  thus  explained  :  The  Eureka  Company  has 
consumed  its  capital  in  the  purchase  of  machinery,  mining 


186  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

implements,  and  in  the  hire  of  laborers.  They  have, 
probably,  found  the  ore  less  abundant,  and  the  obstacles 
in  the  way  of  securing  it  much  greater  than  the  original 
owner  of  the  claim  represented ;  and  now  to  avoid  losing 
what  has  been  expended,  they  must  assess  the  shares  to 
raise  funds  for  further  operations." 

"Must  I  lose  my  two  thousand  dollars  unless  I  raise 
two  hundred  dollars  more  ?  " 

"  It  may  not  be  an  entire  loss  to  you.  I  believe,  if  a 
stockholder  refuses  to  pay  his  assessment,  his  shares  are 
sold  at  auction  to  raise  the  amount.  Then  I  suppose  there 
is  a  chance  that  the  new  capital  may  be  so  successfully 
managed  as  to  increase  the  value  of  the  original.  Why 
did  not  Ralph  Goodenow  write,  and  explain  more  fully 
the  reasons  why  an  increase  of  funds  is  demanded  ?  " 

"  That  is  one  of  the  mysteries  j  but  most  likely  he  was 
absent  from  the  office  when  this  letter  was  written,  and  I 
shall  hear  from  him  to-morrow." 

"If  you  would  like  his  advice  before  you  pay  the  tax 
levied  on  your  stocks,  I  will  send  a  telegram  this  morning, 
asking  him  to  write  by  return  mail." 

"  I  wish  you  would ;  but  what  do  you  think  of  paying 
this  assessment  ?  " 

"  I  should  rather  accept  the  risk  of  losing  what  I  had 
already  invested,  than  to  increase  that  sum  without  more 
reliable  security  than  Ralph  Goodeuow's  representation  of 
the  value  of  those  copper  mines." 

"  You  forget  that  his  representations  are  based  on  statis- 
tics; that  geologists  have  certified  as  to  the  value  of  the 
claim,  and  that  scientific  experiments  have  proved  the 
abundance  and  richness  of  the  ore." 

"  I  should  have  no  confidence  in  the  ^testimonials  ob- 
tained by  speculators  in  stocks.  I  don't  wish  to  judge 
your  brother-in-law  harshly,  but  I  studied  him  carefully 


PASSING  CLOUDS.  187 

and  without  prejudice  during  his  short  visit  here,  and  I 
believe  him  to  be  a  man  so  wanting  in  integrity  that  he 
would  not  hesitate  to  raise  money  on  false  pretences  —  so 
sanguine  as  to  accept  the  flimsiest  foundations  for  the 
forming  of  stock  companies,  and  so  selfish  as  to  be  utterly 
regardless  of  the  suffering  and  disappointment  occasioned 
by  the  failure  of  them.  I  know  you  will  feel  the  loss  of 
your  investment  keenly  for  yourself  and  for  Louise.  As 
she  gave  her  uncle  the  power  of  attorney  to  act  for  her  in 
money  matters  during  her  absence,  his  selfish  interest 
will  prompt  him  to  manage  her  affairs  as  honorably  as  he 
would  for  himself;  and  I  hope,  with  the  blessing  of  God, 
I  shall  be  able  to  make  all  needful  provision  for  your  com- 
fort and  happiness,  so  that  the  loss  of  your  money  shall 
make  no  essential  difference  in  your  sources  of  enjoyment. 
I  can  but  pray,  dear  wife,  that  this  new  instance  of  the  in- 
security of  worldly  wealth  may  cause  you  to  place  a  higher 
estimate  upon  those  riches  that  are  eternal,  and  have  no 
recognized  value  on  Wall  Street." 

"  If  I  only  had  your  phlegmatic  temperament,  or  if  I 
could  be  interested  in  such  common  things  as  you  and  Di 
are,  and  if  I  was  not  so  ambitious  for  my  children's  sake, 
the  loss  of  money  would  not  disturb  me  so ;  but  with  such 
tastes  and  such  desires  as  mine,  it  is  particularly  hard  to 
know  my  small  fortune  is  decreasing,  just  as  I  was  begin- 
ning to  see  my  way  clear  to  a  more  distinguished  and  con- 
genial style  of  living  than  I've  ever  enjoyed  since  Arthur 
died.  But  you  never  take  the  most  hopeful  view  of  any 
scheme  which  Ralph  favors,  just  because  you  don't  happen 
to  fancy  the  man ;  and  I'll  wait  until  I  hear  from  him  be- 
fore I  yield  to  despondency." 

"  Let  his  opinion  be  favorable  or  adverse,  you  must  not 
be  despondent.  The  loss  of  two  thousand  dollars  will  not 
ruin  us,  and  it  may  be  an  experience  of  great  value." 


188  DB.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  I'd  rather  have  the  money  than  the  lessons  taught  by 
the  loss  of  it.  Those  can  be  learned  from  any  of  your 
sentimental  and  religious  writers,  who  love  to  harp  on  the 
elevating  influences  of  adversity.  They  are  welcome  to 
them.  How  shall  I  contrive  to  keep  up  my  spirits  until  I 
hear  from  Ralph  ?  " 

"  Why  not  take  a  long  drive  into  the  country  ?  The 
day  is  lovely,  and  everything  is  in  bloom.  You  can  have 
no  more  agreeable  diversion  for  your  thoughts  than  such 
a  ride  will  bring." 

"Well,  it  don't  much  matter  what  I  do.  I'll  write  to  Lou 
this  morning,  and  you  may  tell  Kiugman  to  send  up  his 
best  carriage  and  span,  to  be  here  at  twelve.  You  can't 
go,  of  course,  and  Di  must  always  have  Edna  tied  to  her 
apron-strings,  besides  giving  one  the  blues  with  her  his- 
tories of  low  life ;  and  as  I'm  sadly  in  need  of  cheerful 
company,  I'll  send  Robert  round  to  ask  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Blossom  to  ride  with  me.  She  told  me  last  evening  about 
their  horses  taking  fright  and  running,  two  or  three  days 
ago,  and  the  carriage  was  so  injured  that  they've  sent  it 
away  for  repairs.  She  was  regretting  the  loss  of  their 
daily  drive,  and  will  be  glad  to  go  with  me." 

The  carriage  was  ordered,  and  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Blossom 
accepted  Mrs.  Howell's  invitation ;  but  neither  the  beauty 
nor  the  perfume  of  tfce  hedges  and  orchards,  nor  the  green 
luxuriance  of  the  old  earth's  carpet,  dotted  with  the  golden 
heads  of  dandelions ;  neither  the  jubilant  songs  of  "the 
street  musicians  of  the  heavenly  city,"  nor  the  musical 
rhythm  of  the  rejoicing  season ;  neither  the  high-toned 
discourse  of  the  reverend  doctor,  who  recognized  God's 
love  of  beauty  and  harmony  in  the  tiniest  violet  that 
fringed  the  wayside,  His  mercy  and  provident  thought  in 
the  prophecy  of  autumnal  bounties,  which  was  written 
upon  the  tender  blades  of  wheat,  and  flung  out  in  the 


PASSING   CLOUDS.  189 

prodigal  bloom  of  orchards  and  meadows;  neither  Mrs.  Blos- 
som's animated  history  of  the  preparations  for  a  strawberry 
festival  which  was  to  commemorate  the  doctor's  settlement 
over-St.  Mark's,  nor  her  enthusiastic  praises  of  a  new  soprano 
voice  which  was  rendering  still  more  attractive  the  Sunday 
service  at  this  fashionable  church ;  in  iine,  neither  the 
tender  grace  and  blossoming  beauty  of  the  season,  nor  the 
clergyman's  sentiment,  nor  his  lady's  rippling  flow  of  small 
talk,  sufficed  to  restore  that  tone  and  elasticity  to  Mrs. 
Ho  well's  spirits  of  which  the  morning's  news  from  the 
Eureka  stocks  had  robbed  her. 

And  then  the  party  had  the  misfortune  to  be  caught  in 
one  of  those  soft,  spring  showers  whose  drops  seemed 
scattered  playfully,  as  if  to  enhance  the  effect  of  the  sun- 
shine which  bathed  the  larger  part  of  the  landscape ;  and 
before  the  curtains  of  the  carriage  could  be  raised,  Mrs. 
Howell's  lilac  crape  bonnet  had  received  its  death  war- 
rant. In  a  plaintive  rehearsal  of  the  misfortunes  of  the 
day  to  Diantha,  she  said,  "  her  new  chene  silk  would  al- 
ways have  an  association  with  the  assessment  of  her 
stocks ; "  but  she  thanked  Heaven,  with  a  sigh,  that  "  her 
India  shawl  couldn't  be  harmed  by  a  few  drops  of  water." 

"  There  has  been  one  oasis  in  the  dreary  day,"  added 
Mrs.  Howell,  "  and  that's  an  assurance  from  Mrs.  Blossom 
that  we  are  to  receive  invitations  to  a  very  exclusive  pic- 
nic on  the  old  Bosworth  Park  grounds,  followed  by  an 
evening  festival  in  the  vestry  of  St.  Mark's  Church :  it  is  to 
come  off  the  first  of  June." 

"The  invitations  were  brought  while  you  were  out 
riding,  mamma." 

"  And  you  are  included  ?  " 

"  Mr.  Horace  Metcalf  asks  for  the  honor  and  pleasure  of 
being  my  escort ;  he  has  called  again  to-day." 

"Really,  it  seems  to  me  Horace  Metcalf  is  trying  to 


190  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

make  me  believe  he  wasn't  more  attentive  to  one  of  my 
daughters  than  the  other ;  but  if  he  doesn't  carry  a  sore 
and  heavy  heart  for  the  loss  of  Lou,  I've  no  skill  in  read- 
ing his  actions  and  looks.  Of  course  you  accepted  his 
invitation  ?"' 

"  I  told  him  I  would  go  if  you  approved,  mamma ;  but 
I've  been  sorry  since,  because  I  don't  want  to  encourage 
any  marked  attentions  from  him." 

"  Why  not  ?  He  belongs  to  one  of  our  first  families, 
and  has  wealth,  education,  and  good  manners.  It  would 
be  an  unaccountable  freak  if  he  should  take  a  fancy  to  you 
after  his  decided  preference  for  Louise,  but  highly  compli- 
mentary, Di,  and  a  much  more  eligible  chance  for  you  than 
I've  ever  dared  hope  for;  so  don't  let  me  hear  of  your 
shunning  marked  attentions  from  Horace  Metcalf." 

"  But  if  I'm  very  sure  I  can  only  like  him  as  a  friend  — " 

"  Stop  right  there,  Di ;  and  let  me  tell  you,  a  girl  of 
.  twenty,  who  has  seen  so  little  of  the  world  as  you  have, 
can  make  no  distinctions  between  friendship  and  love.  If 
Horace  is  agreeable  to  you  now,  you'll  find  it  easy  enough 
to  cultivate  a  stronger  feeling,  if  he  should  ever  honor  you 
so  much  as  to  ask  for  your  love.  I  shall  expect  you  to  re- 
gard my  wishes  in  this  matter,  and  to  throw  off  all  puritanic 
reserve  and  shyness,  and  show  to  the  best  advantage  your 
talent  for  singing  and  painting.  You  must  have  a  white, 
embroidered  muslin  for  the  party,  and  with  blue  trimmings. 
Let  me  see,"  added  the  mother,  taking  from  her  wardrobe 
drawer  a  bunch  of  blue,  buff,  pink,  and  scarlet  ribbons,  and 
trying  the  effect  of  each  against  Diantha's  delicately 
colored  cheek  and  golden-brown  hair.  "  Yes ;  blue  and 
white  are  more  in  harmony  with  your  hair  and  complexion 
than  decidedly  brilliant  hues.  Lou  could  be  dressed  like 
an  Eastern  princess,  she  was  such  a  bright,  tropical  flower ; 
but  you  are  strangely  like  the  Howells,  Di,  in  face,  and 


PASSING   CLOUDS.  191 

figure,  and  coloring,  and  I  may  add,  in  character,  too. 
But  you  are  improving  in  looks  and  manners,  and  with 
more  attention  to  style  and  dress,  and  a  better  control  of 
your  foolish  color,  you'll  be  thought  pretty  and  attractive, 
now  that  you  don't  suffer  from  contrast  with  Louise.  I'm 
glad  and  thankful  these  invitations  came  to-day;  they'll 
give  me  amusement  and  occupation  in  planning  our  toilets 
until  I  hear  from  Ralph ;  and  remember,  I  shall  exact  from 
you  compliance  with  my  wishes  in  reference  to  this  party 
and  all  future  attentions  of  Horace  Metcalf.  You  may 
leave  me  now ;  my  head  aches,  and  I  must  have  rest  before 
dinner." 

Diantha  went  to  her  chamber  wondering  how  a  girl 
could  help  knowing  the  difference  between  love  and 
friendship,  when  the  knowledge  had  come  to  her  heart  as 
stealthily  and  naturally  as  wildflowers  turn  towards  the 
sun;  and  wondering,  too,  whether,  the  boundaries  once 
crossed,  love  could  be  recalled  and  turned  into  the  quiet 
channels  of  friendship  ;  whether  a  woman  ought  not  to  up- 
root every  growth  that  bore  semblance  to  the  immortal 
flower,  until  she  had  been  asked  to  cherish  it.  If  Captain 
Ashmead  could  have  told  the  story  in  words,  which  his 
looks  and  tones  clearly  intimated,  Diantha's  trustful  heart 
would  have  been  a  stranger  to  misgivings;  waiting  for 
him  would  have  been  a  hope-crowned  prelude  to  the  sweet 
psalm  of  life ;  but  not  to  know  her  hero's  reasons  for  silence, 
and  to  feel  conscious  that  her  father  disapproved  of  her 
preference,  and  that  her  mother  would  in  every  possible 
way  encourage  the  attentions  of  young  Metcalf,  disturbed 
the  healthful  tone  of  her  nature,  and  called  for  the  constant 
exercise  of  all  her  courage,  faith,  and  patience.  She  con- 
cealed her  own  pain  so  adroitly,  while  ministering  with  her 
wonted  cheerfulness  to  the  needs  of  others,  that  even  Dr. 
Hovvell  observed  only  the  richer  perfume  of  her  life  with- 
out seeking  its  cause. 


192  DB.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

And  Mrs.  Howell's  real  and  fanciful  troubles  were  so 
great,  during  that  memorable  summer,  as  to  render  her 
oblivious  to  the  griefs  of  others ;  her  remarkable  sensitive- 
ness to  mental  and  physical  ailments  quite  unfitted  her,  us 
she  often  remarked,  to  help  bear  another's  burdens. 

The  doctor's  telegram  brought  another  letter  from 
Latham,  the  broker's  lawyer,  stating  that  "  Ralph  Good- 
enow  sailed  in  the  Golden  Gate,  for  California,  a  week  pre- 
vious to  date ;  that  the  interests  of  the  Feather  River 
Quartz-crushing  Company  demanded  his  presence  on  the 
ground  of  operations,  and  that  the  enterprising  broker, 
wishing  to  become  personally  acquainted  with  the  claims 
of  that  vast  gold-bearing  region,  had  left  his  financial  mat- 
ters in  care  of  his  agent  for  two  or  three  months.  He  said 
the  heavy  spring  rains  had  so  retarded  the  progress  of 
the  Eureka  mines,  and  the  difficulties  of  transportation  had 
been  so  great,  that  the  cost  of  supplies  for  the  miners  had 
been  more  than  double  the  original  calculation.  These 
Impediments  and  delays  called  for  patience  on  the  part  of 
the  stockholders;  but  the  property  was  good,  and  would 
make  ample  returns  for  the  capital  spent  upon  it.  Mrs.  How- 
ell  need  have  no  anxiety  when  such  men  as  Hon.  Carlos 
Hapgood,  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Mintwell,  and  Colonel  Keen- 
man  promptly  paid  their  assessments,  and  moreover  made 
arrangements  for  securing  all  the  Eureka  stocks  which 
should  come  into  the  market.  Latham  could  find  a  pur- 
chaser for  Mrs.  Howell's  shares  at  their  par  value  if  she 
wished  to  dispose  of  them." 

And  the  same  mail  brought  a  letter  from  Louise, 
descanting  on  the  glories  of  Paris,  and  the  delights  of 
foreign  travel,  and  the  honorable  distinctions  which  money 
secured,  and  begging  her  mother  to  trust  implicitly  to 
Ralph  Goodenow  in  business  matters. 

"I   shall   pay   the   assessments,"  said   Mrs.  Howell,  in 


PASSING    CLOUDS.  193 

answer  to  the  doctor's  query  regarding  her  decision,  "  even 
if  I'm  obliged  to  give  up  my  trip  to  Saratoga  in  con- 
sequence. I'm  used  to  making  sacrifices,"  she  added,  with 
a  sigh. 

"  If  the  Eureka  turns  out  badly,  the  Feather  River 
stocks  will  redeem  the  failure ;  and  I  may  as  well  tell  you 
now  that  I  have  two  thousand  dollars  invested  in  Ralph's 
quartz-crushing  operations,  though,  of  course,  as  the  money 
belonged  to  my  first  husband,  there's  no  need  of  my  telling 
you  what  I  do  with  it." 

"None  whatever,"  answered  the  doctor,  while  an 
amused  smile  hovered  in  his  eyes  and  around  his  lips. 
He  was  thinking  of  the  nature  of  his  lady's  sacrifices  and 
the  expansiveness  of  her  first  husband's  bequest,  the  in- 
come of  which  had  been  her  excuse  for  indulging  in 
pleasures  and  gratifying  tastes  which  must  have  swal- 
lowed her  entire  fortune  years  before,  had  she  been' 
dependent  on  that  alone. 
13 


194  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

MOTHER     AND     DAUGHTER. 

"  I  will  this  dreary  blank  of  absence  make 
A  noble  task-time,  and  will  therein  strive 
To  follow  excellence,  and  to  o'ertake 
More  good  than  I  have  won  since  yet  I  live." 

FRANCES  KEMBLK. 

EDNA  SHREVE  had  not  seen  so  bright  a  day  since  the 
wreck  of  the  Stella  as  that  which  was  crowned  with  the 
pleasure  of  finishing  Captain  Ashraead's  slippers  in  season 
to  send  them  to  New  York  before  the  Aurora  sailed ;  and 
it  must  be  recorded  that,  without  substantial  aid  from  the 
nimble  fingers  of  Diantha,  the  slippers  would  have  missed 
the  honorable  service  for  which  they  were  destined.  If  the 
captain  could  have  known  how  much  love  and  gratitude 
had  been  wrought  into  the  pattern  with  the  bright-hued 
worsteds  and  silks,  the  gift  of  his  little  friend  would  have 
possessed  almost  a  talismanic  charm  ;  but  if  the  slippers 
failed  in  one  iota  of  their  intended  mission,  Edna's  ac- 
companying note  supplied  all  deficiencies.  "  I  could  never 
have  made  them  if  Miss  Howell  hadn't  shown  me  how," 
wrote  the  conscientious  child,  not  dreaming  what  sweetness, 
strength,  and  hope  lay  hidden  in  her  words.  "  She  worked 
the  purple  pansy  and  the  scarlet  geranium,  and  helped  me 
with  all  the  rest ;  and  every  day  she  asks  me  if  I've  prayed 
that  God  would  hold  the  sea  in  the  hollow  of  his  hand,  and 
keep  the  Aurora  from  all  harm.  She's  so  gentle  with  me, 
and  so  loving,  and  you  and  Dr.  Howell  are  so  kind,  and  I 


MOTHER   AND   DAUGHTER.  195 

love  you  all  so  much,  that  I'm  not  grieving  for  my  lost 
mamma  and  Nathan  as  I  used,  and  am  quite  content  to 
live.  Miss  Howell  says,  perhaps  some  time,  when  you  have 
a  home  on  shore,  you  may  want  me  to  live  with  you  and 
your  mother;  and  she  is  teaching  me  how  to  sing,  and  play, 
and  draw,  and  do  all  sorts  of  nice  things  to  please  you." 

The  care  and  confusion  attending  the  Aurora's  outfit  and 
lading  did  not  prevent  Captain  Ashmead  from  sending  his 
little  friend  a  letter  of  thanks,  as  well  as  more  tangible 
tokens  of  his  generous  thought  for  her.  Edna's  happiness 
"  waded  in  tears  "  when  she  saw  the  proofs  of  the  captain's 
loving  remembrance  of  her  needs.  He  had  selected  a  white 
cambric  and  just  the  shade  of  merino  for  a  gown  and  cloak 
which  would  harmonize  with  the  hue  of  her  eyes  and  the 
delicacy  of  her  complexion.  And  a  large  photograph  of 
the  Aurora,  neatly  framed,  to  ornament  the  "  City  of 
Refuge,"  was  more  valuable  to  Edna  than  his  other  gifts. 

The  bouquet  of  sweet-scented  geranium  blossoms  and 
velvet-coated  pansies,  which  was  enclosed  in  Edna's  box, 
and  directed  to  Miss  Howell,  did  not  win  from  that  young 
lady  such  outward  demonstrations  of  welcome  as  the  child 
bestowed  on  her  gifts ;  yet  their  messages  were  like  manna 
to  her  hungry  heart,  telling,  in  quaint,  old-time  fashion,  of 
the  giver's  preference  and  remembrance,  and  strengthening 
her  for  many  a  hard  conflict,  long  after  their  beauty  and 
perfume  had  perished. 

If  Diantha's  timid  yet  glad  acceptance  of  the  flowers  and 
their  delicately  conveyed  intimation  could  have  been  re- 
vealed to  Captain  Ashmead,  he  would  have  been  sorely 
tempted  to  disregard  the  doctor's  injunction,  and  to  tell  her 
of  his  love  in  words  that  could  not  be  mistaken  for  a  mere 
floral  compliment ;  but  it  was  doubtless  better  for  the  har- 
monious development  of  his  character,  as  well  as  Diantha's, 
that  both  should  remain  in  ignorance  of  the  strength  and 


196  DB.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

depth  of  affection  each  cherished  for  the  other;  for  without 
the  misconceptions,  disappointments,  and  thwarted  desires 
of  our  daily  lives,  we  should  lack  the  trustfulness,  devotion, 
and  energy  which  are  the  fruits  of  surmounted  obstacles. 

The  captain's  flowers  arrived  one  day  when  Diantha's 
filial  regard  for  her  mother's  wishes  had  clashed  with  her 
own  ideas  of  duty  and  propriety,  and  when  she  more  than 
ever  before  needed  the  inspiration  and  strength  brought 
by  the  sweet-voiced  messengers. 

The  forthcoming  picnic  party  of  the  St.  Mark's  Church 
would  be  a  rare  opportunity  for  Mrs.  Howell  to  display  her 
artistic  tastes  and  that  maternal  solicitude  for  Diantha,  of 
which,  as  she  expressed  it,  "her  dear,  fatherless  child  had 
hitherto  received  the  lion's  share ; "  and  then  the  possibili- 
ty of  securing  an  alliance  with  the  Metcalf  family  had 
awakened  her  to  the  importance  of  immediate  attention  to 
Diantha's  style  in  dress  and  manners. 

"  You  make  a  great  parade  of  piety  and  conscience,  Di ; 
but  I  wish  it  was  a  part  of  your  religion  to  honor  and  obey 
me,  and  show  a  becoming  deference  to  my  tastes.  I've 
been  more  than  once  reminded,  since  the  invitations  to 
this  picnic  came,  of  what  Solomon,  or  Shakespeare,  or  some 
old  writer  said :  — 

'  How  sharper  than  a  serpent's  tooth  it  is 
To  have  a  thankless  child !  '  " 

Mrs.  Howell's  face  and  voice  wore  the  emphasis  of 
severe  displeasure,  because  her  daughter  had  quietly  ob- 
jected to  the  purchase  of  what  seemed  to  her  unnecessary 
and  inappropriate  for  the  picnic  party. 

Diantha  rose  from  her  chair,  and,  coming  forward,  knelt 
at  her  mother's  side,  saying,  with  a  tremulous  voice,  and 
eyes  full  of  tears,  — 

"  Mamma,  you  mistake  my  motives ;  I'm  not  unthankful, 


MOTHER   AND    DAUGHTER.  197 

and  I  appreciate  your  desire  to  see  me  prettily  dressed, 
and  I  know  your  taste  is  better  cultivated  than  mine ;  but 
I  cannot  ask  father  for  an  increase  of  my  allowance,  and  I 
spent  so  much  on  my  dress  for  the  wedding  party  that 
really  I  have  not  half  enough  in  my  purse  to  buy"  a  new 
gown." 

"  You  might  anticipate  your  next  quarter's  allowance." 

"  Father  has  forbidden  me  ever  to  run  in  debt ;  and  then 
my  wardrobe  is  so  abundantly  supplied,  I  should  have  no 
need  of  an  embroidered  muslin  after  the  picnic.  I  don't 
want  to  differ  from  you  in  matters  of  taste,  but  I  should 
feel  over-dressed  for  an  out-of-door  party  in  such  a  gown 
as  you  propose." 

"  You  seem  to  forget  that  the  most  important  part  of  the 
entertainment  will  be  in  the  vestry  of  St.  Mark's,  in  the 
evening,  when  there  will  be  dancing,  and  music,  and 
speeches." 

"  Yes ;  but  Mrs.  Metcalf  told  me  this  morning  the  ladies 
wouldn't  appear  in  full  dress ;  'tis  more  like  a  large  family 
party,  where  fashion  yields  to  pleasure  and  convenience." 

Mrs.  Metcalfs  opinion  was  an  authority  which  even 
Mrs.  Howell  did  not  care  to  gainsay,  and  she  was  willing 
to  accept  it  in  the  present  instance,  rather  than  supply  the 
coveted  articles  for  Diantha  from  her  own  purse,  or  appear 
to  yield  to  her  daughter's  judgment. 

"  Where  did  you  see  Mrs.  Metcalf  ?  "  asked  the  mother, 
in  a  softer  tone  than  she  had  used  when  speaking  to  Diau- 
tha  for  several  days. 

"  She  went  with  me  to  the  Bonsecour  Home.  I  was 
driving  there  in  the  buggy  to  meet  father,  when  I  overtook 
her  on  Locust  Street,  and  she  asked  to  go  with  me." 

"Just  another  one  of  her  odd  freaks.  She  thinks  she 
can  do  anything  because  she  is  the  daughter  of  old  Squire 
Bosworth,  and  her  husband  was  a  judge,  and  they  are 


198  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

known  to  have  an  income  of  twenty  thousand  dollars  a 
year.  She  wouldn't  be  seen  riding  in  your  father's  old 
buggy  if  she  didn't  own  as  handsome  a  turnout  as  anybody 
in  Hanthrop.  People  who  have,  carriages,  and  servants  in 
livery,  and  more  money  than  they  know  how  to  spend,  can 
afford  to  trudge  about  on  foot,  while  those  who've  got  to 
build  up  a  reputation  must  use  every  device,  and  strain, 
and  twist,  and  turn  their  means,  as  well  as  their  wits,  to 
keep  up  appearances." 

"  Wouldn't  the  straining,  and  twisting,  and  racking  of 
brains  depend  on  the  kind  of  reputation  we  wished  to  en- 
joy, mamma  ?  If  we  desired  only  the  distinction  of  wealth, 
we  might  spend  our  entire  means  in  making  a  show,  and 
in  imitating  others ;  but  wouldn't  you  rather  father  should 
be  known  as  a  skilful  physician  and  a  scientific  scholar, 
whose  name  is  honorably  mentioned  in  medical  and  literary 
journals,  whose  opinions  are  quoted  as  authority,  than  have 
him  referred  to  simply  as  the  owner  of  factories,  ships,  and 
blocks  of  houses?" 

"You  are  all  Howell,  Di,  as  I've  told  you  a  hundred 
times,  and  have  no  sympathy  with  anything  but  your  fa- 
ther's crotchets.  If  you  and  he  were  as  ambitious  as  I  am, 
we  might  have  the  honors  that  are  conferred  on  wealth  in 
addition  to  literary  fame.  But  I've  never  been  understood 
by  any  one  excepting  Louise,  since  her  father  was  taken 
from  me;  and  I  suppose  'tis  too  late  now  to  expect  appre- 
ciation and  sympathy  from  you." 

"  Please  don't  think,  mamma,  because  our  tastes  in  dress 
sometimes  differ,  that  I  can't  appreciate  you,  and  that  I've 
no  sympathy  with  you  because  I'm  so  interested  in  fathers 
pursuits.  I'm  afraid  his  writings  would  never  see  the  light 
if  I  didn't  copy  them  for  him,  and  correct  the  proofs ;  and  I 
always  feel,  while  doing  such  work,  that  I'm  helping  make 
the  world  better  and  wiser." 


MOTHER   AND    DAUGHTER.  199 

"  Well,  you  must  follow  your  own  bent  now,  I  suppose ; 
I've  tried  in  vain  to  mould  you,  and  give  you  a  taste  for 
becoming  and  lady-like  pursuits ;  but  if  copying  such  dry 
medical  essays  as  your  father  writes  is  more  agreeable  to 
you  than  cultivating  the  graces  and  accomplishments  of 
your  own  sex,  I've  nothing  more  to  say;  at  least,  not  while 
you  confine  your  strong-minded  notions  to  your  father's 
study.  Don't  lean  on  me  any  longer ;  you're  crushing  my 
dress." 

Diantha  resumed  her  chair,  while  her  mother  added,  "To 
return  to  the  picnic  party :  if  you  are  sure  the  ladies  are 
not  to  go  in  full  evening  dress,  I  won't  insist  on  your  buy- 
ing a  new  muslin ;  and  really,  I  suppose  my  health  isn't 
equal  to  the  care  of  superintending  the  making  of  it,  as  I'm 
having  so  much  trouble  in  matching  my  lilac  grenadine 
with  trimmings.  If  Madame  Lavitte  don't  find  something 
recherche  to-day  that  exactly  matches,  I  shall  have  it 
trimmed  with  black  thread  lace,  and  puffings  of  the  grena- 
dine. And  then  I  must  have  a  new  bonnet,  because  that 
disagreeable  little  shower  spoiled  my  pretty  crape  one. 
Everything  has  gone  wrong  with  me  ever  since  that  unfor- 
tunate assessment  of  my  stocks ;  and  notwithstanding  your 
father  knows  I  was  obliged  to  pay  out  the  two  hundred 
dollars  I  had  saved  for  a  trip  to  Saratoga,  where  I  was  ex- 
pecting to  meet  Ralph's  family  and  the  Hapgoods  and 
Mintwells,  he  hasn't  said  one  word  yet  about  making  up 
the  loss  to  me ;  and  he  knows  very  well  that  a  summer  ex- 
cursion is  as  necessary  to  my  health  and  happiness  as  scien- 
tific study  and  professional  work  are  to  him." 

"Father  is  never  so  busy  as  to  forget  your  health  or 
pleasures,  mamma,  and  I'm  sure  he'll  give  you  as  much 
money  as  he  can  afford.  One  of  my  principal  reasons  for 
not  wishing  to  buy  a  new  dress  for  this  picnic  was  the  de- 
sire to  relieve  father  as  much  as  possible  from  petty  cares, 


200  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

so  that  his  thoughts  may  be  clear  for  the  work  he's  engaged 
in ;  and  I'm  very  thankful  you  haven't  insisted  on  the  new 
dress." 

"  Well,  I  hope  you'll  show  your  thankfulness  by  making 
yourself  agreeable  to  Mrs.  Metcalf  and  her  son.  I  saw  by 
the  way  he  listened  to  your  singing  last  evening  that  he's 
very  much  pleased  with  you ;  but  he's  fastidious,  and  won't 
marry  a  dowdy  girl,  even  if  she  is  talented.  What  dress 
are  you  going  to  wear?" 

"The  buff  berege  you  gave  me  last  summer  is  pretty  and 
seasonable,  and  you  always  said  it  was  becoming;  but, 
mamma,  please  don't  talk  as  if  Horace  Metcalf  were  weigh- 
ing me  in  the  balances,  or  as  if  we  were  trying  to  show 
off  accomplishments  to  secure  an  offer  from  him.  Such 
thoughts  will  embarrass  me  in  his  presence,  and  rob  me  of 
all  the  pleasure  I  might  otherwise  have  in  his  conversation 
and  friendship.  Even  if  I  thought  it  possible  to  love  him, 
a  deliberate  attempt  to  secure  his  regard  would  desecrate 
the  sacred  purity  of  the  feeling  I  must  have  for  the  man 
who  chooses  me ;  and  I'm  still  firm  in  my  conviction  that  I 
can  only  like  him  as  a  friend." 

"  I  trust  a  daughter  of  mine  will  never  have  any  warmer 
feeling  than  friendship  before  marriage.  A  girl  of  your 
age  should  know  that  a  connection  with  an  aristocratic 
family  of  wealth  and  fashion  is  in  every  way  desirable  for 
her,  especially  when  this  connection  may  be  brought  about 
by  cultivating  friendly  feelings,  which  already  exist,  for  an 
agreeable  and  talented  young  man." 

"But  if  I  find  him  agreeable  for  an  hour's  chat,  or  a 
drive,  you  mustn't  infer  he  would  be  an  agreeable  compan- 
ion for  life.  The  man  I  marry  must  have  such  intellectual 
strength,  such  nobility  of  soul,  and  such  purity  of  life,  that 
I  can  honor  and  reverence  him,  and  such  power  over  my 
affections  that  they  will  spring  intxiitively  to  meet  his. 


MOTHER    AND    DAUGHTER.  201 

Horace  Metcalf  can  talk  well,  and  is  quite  familiar  with 
books  and  works  of  art,  and  is  fond  of  music,  and  there  are 
many  themes  which  have  a  common  interest  for  us;  but  he 
has  no  reverence  for  religion,  and  no  especial  object  in 
life,  and  so  long  as  he  is  comfortable,  and  has  means  to 
gratify  his  luxurious  tastes,  the  poverty,  ignorance,  and 
wretchedness  of  the  world  present  to  him  no  incentives  to 
action." 

"  You've  picked  up  the  most  peculiar  notions,  Di,  from 
such  women  as  Miss  Wheeler,  who  think  they  are  set 
apart  as  examples  for  the  rest  of  humanity ;  but  a  persistent 
lover  will  set  you  all  right,  and  show  you  that  one's  indi- 
vidual comfort  and  happiness  may  be  secured  first,  and  then 
there  will  be  time  enough  for  such  philanthropical  labors 
as  are  becoming  to  women.  There'll  be  no  end  of  your 
charities  when  you  have  control  of  Horace  Metcalf's 
wealth,  and  as  his  wife  your  influence  will  be  ten  times  as 
great  as  'tis  now.  You  needn't  say  another  word  on  this 
subject  to-day ;  but  I  warn  you  not  to  refuse  an  offer  of 
marriage  from  such  a  quarter,  and  expect  me  to  forgive 
such  childish  folly.  You  may  order  Robert  to  harness  the 
sorrel  horse  into  the  buggy ;  it  looks  so  much  like  rain,  I 
won't  run  the  risk  of  getting  wet,  and  adding  to  my  cold, 
and  I'm  obliged  to  go  to  Madame  Lavitte's.  I've  said  I 
would  never  ride  in  the  old  buggy  for  pleasure,  or  to  make 
calls ;  but  that  promise  needn't  prevent  me  from  riding  in 
it  when  business  obliges  me  to  go  out." 

The  preparations  for  this  picnic  party  gave  to  Mrs.  How- 
ell's  restless  spirit  just  the  kind  of  exciting  food  it  demand- 
ed. It  is  not  pleasant  for  a  woman  to  record  a  fact  so 
prejudicial  to  her  own  sex;  but  the  doctor's  wife  belonged 
to  a  large  class  whose  intellects  never  crave  a  higher  theme 
than  the  trivialities  of  dress,  and  the  conventionalities  of 
society,  —  for  whom  a  party  or  an  opera  is  an  event  of  such 


202  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

importance  as  to  consume  much  precious  time  in  prepara- 
tion, —  not  because  such  a  gathering  is  a  favorable  oppor- 
tunity for  the  interchange  of  thought,  the  cultivation  of 
friendship,  or  a  taste  for  refined  pleasures  and  broader 
views  of  life,  but  simply  because  it  presents  an  arena  for 
the  display  of  wealth  and  style. 

One  of  June's  fairest  days  smiled  propitiously  on  the  for- 
tune-favored parishioners  of  St.  Mark's  Church,  who  assem- 
bled on  the  Bosworth  Park  grounds  to  commemorate  the 
twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  Dr.  Blossom's  settlement  by 
eating  strawberries,  making  speeches,  and  presenting  gifts 
to  their  pastor:  a  silver-wedding  festivity  it  proved,  for 
the  gifts  were  of  no  baser  metal  than  silver,  and  the  con- 
gratulations flowed  from  silvery  voices,  and  even  the  clouds 
that  floated  over  the  gay  throng  presented  nothing  darker 
than  their  silver  linings.  The  rector  of  St.  Mark's,  while 
listening  to  the  silver-tongued  orators,  and  holding  in  his 
hand  a  purse  generously  filled  with  the  precious  ore,  might 
almost  have  been  forgiven  if  he  failed  to  remember  a  class 
of  laborers  in  the  Lord's  vineyard  who  were  obliged  to 
confess,  "  Silver  and  gold  hare  I  none." 

The  exclusiveness  of  the  clique  in  which  Mrs.  Howell 
found  herself,  the  superior  richness  and  fashion  of  her  own 
attire,  and  the  devotion  of  young  Metcalf  to  Diantha,  raised 
the  doctor's  wife  for  this  one  evening  quite  above  the  fluctu- 
ations of  the  stock-market.  She  was  graciously  disposed  to 
all,  but  particularly  communicative  and  confidential  to  Mrs. 
Metcalf,  whom  she  favored  with  a  history  of  her  daughter 
Lou's  Parisian  pleasures  and  honors.  She  alluded  in  such 
an  easy  and  accidental  way  to  such  circumstances  as  re- 
flected honor  and  distinction  on  the  Howell  family,  that 
the  very  perfection  of  her  artfulness  was  concealed  be- 
neath a  mask  of  guileless  honesty.  Diantha's  spirit  caught 
the  exhilarating  brightness  of  the  June  day.  The  rarity 

' 


MOTHER   AND    DAUGHTER.  203 

of  the  holiday,  and  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the  old  Bosworth 
estate,  added  to  the  delights  of  intelligent  conversation, 
gave  to  her  delicate  features  unusual  animation ;  and  pos- 
sibly Captain  Ashmead's  flowers,  which  served  instead  of 
a  brooch  to  confine  the  lace  at  her  throat,  lent  their  grace, 
sweetness,  and  inspiration  to  her  face. 

"  Diantha  seems  in  perfect  harmony  with  the  day,"  re- 
marked Mrs.  Metcalf ;  and  as  her  pleased  glance  followed 
her  young  favorite,  one  could  see  the  lady  would  throw  no 
serious  impediments  in  the  way  of  her  son's  choice. 

"  O,  yes !  Di  is  always  in  tune.  She  has  such  excellent 
health  and  spirits,  'tis  no  wonder  she  takes  pleasure  in 
everything  bright,"  answered  Mrs.  Howell. 

"  Yet  I  believe  she  finds  her  purest  happiness  in  places 
very  far  removed  from  this.  I  was  surprised  to  see  how 
ready  and  helpful  she  was  at  the  Bonsecour  the  other  day ; 
her  cheerful  words  and  smiles  seemed  to  give  the  patients 
a  new  lease  of  life,  and  I  am  told  she  often  assists  Dr. 
Howell  in  the  most  difficult  operations." 

"  She's  very  courageous,  and  has  strong  nerves,  and  so 
much  power  in  her  hand  and  voice,  that  she  sometimes 
assists  her  father  in  cases  which  require  particularly  deli- 
cate and  tender  treatment.  Di  is  so  sweet-tempered  she 
can  do  anything  her  father  requires  of  her;  but  her  tastes 
are  all  refined,  lady-like,  and  domestic ;  she  doesn't  belong 
to  the  strong-minded  class,  and  can  conform  to  her  sur- 
roundings with  as  much  ease  and  grace  as  any  one.  You 
must  forgive  a  mother  for  complimenting  her  own  daugh- 
ter, Mrs.  Metcalf."  Mrs.  Ho  well's  words  were  uttered 
with  as  much  show  of  tender  emotion  as  if  she  were  capa- 
ble of  appreciating  Diantha's  pure  and  heroic  life. 


204  DK.  HOAVELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

THE     SPRINGS. 

"  No  earth-born  will 
Could  ever  trace  a  faultless  line; 
Our  truest  steps  are  human  still, 
To  walk  unswerving  were  divine." 

O.  W.  HOLMES. 

THE  St.  Mark's  festival  lost  none  of  its  silvery  bright- 
ness in  Mrs.  Howell's  descriptions  of  it  to  the  doctor  and 
to  those  of  her  friends  who  were  not  witnesses  of  its  daz- 
zliug  sheen  ;  but  neither  the  brilliancy  of  the  day  nor  her 
social  triumphs  were  potent  enough  to  shield  her  from  the 
effects  of  fatigue,  nervous  excitement,  and  a  heavy  cold. 
Dr.  Howell  had  been  anxiously  observant  of  his  wife's 
physical  condition  for  many  days  previous  to  the  festival, 
and  had  urged  her  to  abandon  preparations  for  it,  and  avail 
herself  of  rest,  quiet,  and  simple  restoratives.  She  had 
met  all  his  persuasions  with  the  answer,  — 

"  I  shall  certainly  be  sick  if  I  give  up  going  to  the  pic- 
nic ;  anticipations  of  that  keep  my  thoughts  from  dwelling 
on  disagreeable  symptoms  of  illness,  and  from  the  loss  of 
my  dear  Lou's  society,  and  from  constant  worry  about  the 
assessment  of  my  stocks.  With  such  a  large  practice  as 
you've  had  for  nearly  twenty  years,  we  ought  to  be  so 
wealthy  that  I  should  hare  no  anxiety  about  money 
matters." 

The  doctor  had  so  often  been  favored  with  the  pith  of 


THE    SPRINGS.  205 

the  last  observation  that  he  permitted  it  to  pass  without 
comment. 

Mrs.  Howell  could  say,  with  Victor  Hugo,  "  Life  is  a 
dish  that  owes  its  charm  to  its  sauce  ; "  and  as  nothing  of 
exciting  interest  immediately  succeeded  the  picnic  pleas- 
ures, her  strong  will  was  obliged  to  succumb. 

For  several  weeks  she  was  prostrate  with  a  slow,  nervous 
fever,  which,  though  not  particularly  painful,  kept  her  so 
irritable  and  so  difficult  to  please,  that  any  common  stock 
of  patience  must  have  been  exhausted.  But  no  matter 
how  unreasonable  the  invalid's  caprices  were,  the  doctor's 
temper  remained  unruffled,  and  no  word  or  sound  escaped 
his  lips  that  was  not  intended  to  soothe.  And  if  the  long 
June  days  sometimes  found  Diantha  weary  in  body,  her 
willing  spirit  was  never  dismayed.  She  was  as  buoyant 
and  fresh  as  if  her  daily  food  were  an  extract  of  the 
month's  fairest  blossoms.  Indeed,  her  soul  was  filled  with 
deeper  and  purer  fountains  of  sweetness  than  Nature's 
most  devout  worshipper  could  gather  from  June's  rarest 
loveliness. 

Her  patience  and  cheerfulness  in  the  sick  room  often 
reminded  her  father  of  the  passage,  "  Thou  hast  given  a 
banner  to  them  that  fear  Thee,  that  it  may  be  displayed 
because  of  the  truth ; "  and  Mrs.  Howell,  always  slow  to 
acknowledge  excellence  that  did  not  flow  through  the 
veins  of  her  own  or  the  Goodenow  family,  or  such  con- 
ventional channels  as  society  recognized,  said,  — 

"  Di  was  born  for  a  nurse :  she  has  remarkable  tact  in 
doing  little  things  to  beguile  an  invalid's  thoughts,  and 
break  up  the  monotony  of  this  dreary  chamber.  She 
knows  just  when  to  sing,  and  read,  and  talk,  and  has  such 
strong  nerves  that  she's  never  disturbed  by  my  sufferings. 
It's  fortunate  she  didn't  inherit  my  sensitiveness."  There 
was  an  echo  to  the  last  remark  in  the  doctor's  thoughts. 


206  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  What  a  tedious  confinement ! "  she  exclaimed  one 
evening  when  her  husband  was  sitting  by  her  couch,  and 
Diantha  and  Edna  were  entertaining  Horace  Metcalf  in 
the  parlor :  the  young  man  had  found  abundant  excuses 
for  calling,  since  the  picnic,  to  inquire  for  the  invalid,  and 
to  bring  her  such  rare  flowers  from  his  mother's  conserva- 
tory as  were  not  found  in  the  doctor's  small  garden,  and 
the  last  new  book  and  music  for  Diantha;  and  Mrs.  How- 
ell  had  instructed  the  servants  always  to  admit  Mr.  Met- 
calf, and  had  positively  forbidden  her  daughter  to  excuse 
herself  from  seeing  him,  or  riding  with  him,  no  matter  how 
imperatively  she  might  be  needed  elsewhere.  Edna  could 
always  take  Diantba's  place  with  the  invalid  when  Mr. 
Metcalf  was  to  be  entertained,  though  at  all  other  hours 
she  was  most  unreasonable  in  keeping  her  constantly  within 
sight  and  call.  "  Such  a  weary  time ! "  Mrs.  Howell  added, 
with  a  sigh  ;  "  this  is  the  last  day  of  June,  and  I  haven't 
been  out  since  the  picnic.  It  will  be  absolutely  necessary 
for  me  to  have  a  change  of  air  before  the  close  of  another 
week ;  I  feel  as  if  I  were  suffocating  in  this  room.  How 
much  longer  do  you  mean  to  keep  me  here  ?" 

"  Not  a  day  after  you  are  strong  enough  to  be  removed, 
Mary ;  and  if  you  continue  to  improve  as  you  have  for  the 
last  week,  I  think  you  may  safely  journey  by  boat  to  Carr- 
haven  in  eight  or  ten  days." 

"And  why  to  Carrhavcn,  I  would  like  to  ask?  You 
know  'tis  just  the  dreariest  place  under  the  sun.  There's 
nothing  within  reach  of  the  eye  but  rocks,  and  waves,  and 
sand,  and  a  few  ruinous  old  farm-houses,  and  one  great, 
bleak-looking  hotel." 

"  I  mentioned  Can-haven  because  I  think  the  sea  air  and 
bathing  will  be  beneficial  to  you ;  and  the  quiet  seclusion 
of  the  place  is  one  of  its  greatest  advantages  in  your  pres- 
ent state.  Mr.  Dinsmore  told  ine  yesterday  of  a  farm- 


THE    SPRINGS.  207 

house  in  Can-haven  where  he  and  his  family  are  going  to 
spend  the  next  two  months.  He  says  I  can  secure  a  large, 
sunny  room  for  you  and  Daisy  in  this  house,  which  is  so 
near  the  sea  one  can  hear  the  waves  break  upon  the  beach ; 
and  J.e  says  he  will  warrant  you  the  best  of  country  fare. 
I'm  ?.traid  you've  never  looked  at  Can-haven  with  an  artist's 
eye;  it  has  a  beautifully  curved  beach,  and  some  really 
grand,  cliffs;  and  its  old  farms,  and  orchards,  and  pine 
groves,  and  sloping  hills  make  it  as  lovely  a  bit  of  coast  as 
can  be  found  in  New  England." 

'•You  know  I  detest  sea-bathing;  and  as  for  the  air,  I 
get  enough  of  damp,  easterly  sea-breezes  in  Hanthrop. 
Too  much  quiet  mopes  me  to  death  ;  and  just  think,  for  a 
moment,  of  my  being  cooped  up  in  a  farm-house  with  no 
society  but  Diantha  and  Mr.  Dinsmore's  family  for  two 
months!  You  might  as  well  send  me  to  the  penitentiary 
as  oblige  me  to  listen  to  Mr.  Dinsmore's  stale  talk  out  of 
the  pulpit;  and  his  wife  is  as  prim  and  puritanic  as  if  she'd 
just  stepped  out  of  the  '  May  Flower.'  I  need  bright,  cheer- 
ful surroundings;  and  if  you  had  allowed  me  to  see  more 
pleasant  company  for  the  last  month,  I  might  have  been 
ready  to  start  for  Saratoga  as  soon  as  next  Monday.  The 
mineral  waters  always  strengthen  me,  and  give  tone  to  my 
spirits ;  and  there's  nothing  so  good  for  my  delicate  lungs 
as  the  odor  of  the  pines  and  evergreens  which  abound  at 
Saratoga.  Dr.  Lovering  has  often  told  me  the  air  of  a 
pine-growing  region  was  the  best  tonic  in  the  world 
fur  me." 

AY  hen  the  doctor's  professional  opinions  differed  from 
his  wife's,  she  strengthened  her  position  by  quotations 
from  Dr.  Loverincr,  her  first  husband's  medical  adviser. 

O' 

"  I  should  think  favorably  of  the  air  and  the  mineral 
waters  of  Saratoga  if  you  could  enjoy  them  without  getting 
drawn  into  the  whirlpool  of  fashionable  society.  Thia 


208  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

sickness  of  yours  is  the  fruit  of  your  winter  gayetics  ;  your 
nervous  system  has  been  strained  and  overtaxed  so  long 
that  you  will  require  at  least  two  months  of  quiet,  and 
Carrhaven  affords  the  best  facilities  for  recuperation.  You 
will  have  the  aromatic  odor  of  the  pines,  and  sea-bathing 
will  more  than  compensate  for  the  loss  of  the  mineral 
waters.  I  propose  to  keep  the  horse  and  buggy  there  for 
your  daily  use ;  and  when  'tis  warm  and  sunny,  Daisy  can 
drive  you  to  the  pine  groves,  and  read  to  you  while  you 
sit  and  enjoy  their  fragrance;  and  then  I  will  manage  my 
practice  so  as  to  spend  at  least  two  days  of  every  week 
with  you." 

"  You  don't  understand  me,  Stephen,"  said  his  lady,  in 
a  tone  intended  to  be  particularly  pathetic,  while  her  eyes 
required  the  service  of  a  dainty  kerchief:  the  real  dis- 
tresses of  humanity  had  never  so  much  power  over  the 
fountain  of  her  tears  as  her  own  imaginary  griefs  had. 
"  I  must  have  a  change  that  will  interest  me,  and  turn  my 
thoughts  into  new  channels,  or  I  shall  never  get,  well.  All 
my  friends  will  be  at  Saratoga;  and  if  I  don't  join  them, 
as  I  promised  to,  they'll  think  we  can't  afford  the  expense, 
especially  when  they  hear  I  am  mewed  up  in  a  farm-house 
at  Carrhaven,  with  no  society  but  a  minister's  family." 

"  Your  friends  can  be  told  the  truth  —  that  your  husband 
thinks  sea-bathing  and  quiet  more  necessary  for  you  than 
mineral  waters  and  fashion ;  and  then,  if  they  choose  to 
infer  there  are  pecuniary  objections  to  spending  the  summer 
in  Saratoga,  we  need  not  be  troubled  about  their  in  fur- 
em  es." 

"  You  and  Di  can  act  as  independently  as  you  choose ; 
but  I'm  so  sensitive,  the  slightest  breath  of  harsh  criticism 
just  withers  me.  I've  told  you  what  is  necessary  to  my 
health  and  happiness ;  and  now,  if  you  withhold  from  me 
all  aids  to  recovery,  I  shall  know  what  your  desii-e  is. 


THE    SPRINGS.  209 

When  you  see  the  grass  growing  over  my  grave,  it  may 
not  be  pleasant  to  remember  your  neglect  of  my  wishes." 

Mrs.  Howell  sobbed  behind  her  handkerchief  for  several 
minutes,  while  the  doctor,  in  thoughtful  silence,  was  trying 
to  decide  what  was  best  for  his  wife  in  her  present  un- 
reasoning mood.  To  insist  npon  her  going  to  Carrhaven, 
or  to  any  other  quiet  place,  when  she  had  set  her  heart 
upon  Saratoga,  would  keep  her  so  disturbed  and  unhappy 
that  she  could  reap  no  benefit  from  sea-bathing  or  country 
fare,  and  he  hoped  the  medicinal  virtues  of  the  fashionable 
watering-place  might  counteract  its  dissipations.  Neither 
her  temper  nor  her  health  would  be  improved  by  thwart- 
ing her  desires,  and  Dr.  Howell  was  always  ready  to  tax 
his  purse  and  his  energies  to  their  utmost  to  provide  his 
wife  with  those  luxuries  which  she  deemed  essential,  and 
to  avoid  her  oft-repeated  lamentations  over  the  loss  of  any 
coveted  pleasm-e.  If  there  was  a  prophecy  of  yielding  to 
her  whims  in  his  next  words,  it  should  not  be  charged  to 
the  doctor  as  a  weakness,  but  rather  as  a  generous  choice 
between  two  evils,  and  a  choice  that  involved  much  self- 
sacrifice  on  his  part,  not  only  of  opinion,  but  of  money 
which  had  been  set  apart  for  charitable  purposes. 

"You  are  not  able  to  superintend  preparations  for  a 
stay  of  two  months  in  Saratoga,  Mary." 

The  tone,  rather  than  the  words,  brought  Mrs.  Howell's 
face  from  behind  its  shield,  and  with  an  animation  which 
had  been  foreign  to  her  for  the  last  month,  she  ex- 
claimed,— 

"  Thank  fortune,  I've  little  or  nothing  to  do.  I  had 
several  handsome  dresses  before  Lou  was  married,  and 
when  I  went  to  New  York  to  see  her  off,  I  was  anticipating 
a  summer  trip,  and  bought  every  necessary  article  to  com- 
plete my  wardrobe,  and  Madame  Lavitte  has  finished  my 
dresses  in  her  most  artistic  style.  I  can  lie  on  the  sofa,  and 
14 


210  DK.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

Di  can  bring  everything  to  this  room  with  Edna's  help, 
and  pack  my  trunks  without  the  raising  of  my  own  hand. 
And  then  I  can  take  the  steamer  to  New  York,  and  from 
there  a  Hudson  River  sail  to  Albany  will  be  charming,  and 
won't  fatigue  me  half  so  much  as  the  dreary  monotony  of 
this  room  does.  You  can  leave  your  business  long  enough 
to  escort  me  to  Saratoga?" 

"  I  shall  go  with  you  and  see  you  comfortably  settled 
there,  if  you  feel  certain  Saratoga  is  the  best  place 
for  you." 

"I'm  sure  I  shall  never  get  well  unless  I  can  have  the 
tonic  of  those  Springs,  and  the  air,  and  then  the  delightful 
people  I  shall  meet  will  do  me  more  good  than  all  the  rest. 
By  the  way,  Stephen,  you  owe  me  a  liberal  indulgence  of 
my  wishes,  because  I've  yielded  to  you  andDi,  and  allowed 
Edna  Shreve  to  stay  here  six  months." 

"  I  have  hoped  you  would  grow  so  fond  of  the  child, 
Mary,  that  it  would  be  as  much  for  your  pleasure  as  for 
mine  to  adopt  her." 

"  She's  pretty,  and  graceful,  and  intelligent,  and  I'm 
willing  to  admit  she's  shown  herself  so  capable  since  I've 
been  sick,  that  I've  sometimes  thought,  if  Di  should  be 
married  in  the  course  of  a  year  or  two,  Edna  might  be 
made  useful  in  the  family.  She  could  read  and  wrrite  for 
us  both,  and  help  entertain  company  with  her  music ;  she 
has  really  a  sweet  voice,  if  it  were  only  cultivated." 

The  doctor  leaned  forward  and  kissed  his  wife,  in  token 
of  his  grateful   appreciation  of  the  concessions  she  had" 
made;  and  probably  for  a  minute  he  forgot  that  selfish 
policy  moulded  every  act  of  her  life. 

"  Don't  take  it  for  granted  that  I  shall  ever  consent  to 
your  adopting  Edna;  but  I'll  say  this  much  to  please  you 
and  Di :  if  the  child  makes  herself  useful,  and  puts  on  no 
airs,  I  won't  object  to  her  staying  with  us  through  the 


THE    SPRINGS.  211 

autumn  and  winter ;  and  then,  if  Di  should  marry,  it  may  be 
for  our  convenience  to  keep  Edna  until  Captain  Ash  mead 
can  provide  for  her.  She  must  go  to  his  sister's  to  spend 
the  summer." 

"  What  are  your  plans  for  Daisy  ?  " 

"  I  am  not  quite  certain  what  will  be  best  for  Di.  The 
dear  girl  really  deserves  some  change  and  recreation  ;  but 
she  would  be  sadly  out  of  place  amongst  the  friends  I 
I  shall  join  at  Saratoga.  It  would  be  pleasant  for  me  to 
introduce  her  there  if  she  only  had  as  much  style  as  Lou ; 
but  it  would  cost  a  mint  of  money  to  make  her  wardrobe 
presentable  for  any  fashionable  resort;  and  then  she  would 
take  no  interest  in  the  gayeties.  I  believe  she's  happiest 
when  she  is  copying  for  you,  or  looking  after  the  wants  of 
poor  people.  If  Mrs.  Metcalf  and  her  son  were  going  to 
Saratoga,  I'd  make  any  sacrifice  for  the  sake  of  taking  her 
there  with  me.  They  are  both  very  much  interested  in 
Di,  and  I  think  Horace's  attentions  look  as  if  he  means  to 
make  her  his  wife,  though  possibly  he's  only  flirting  with 
her  to  pique  Lou,  and  to  hide  his  own  disappointment." 

"You  surprise  me,  Mary,  by  intimating  that  Horace 
Metcalf's  attentions  are  more  than  the  common  courtesies 
of  friendship  ;  and  it  would  shock  me  to  think  Louise  could 
be  piqued  by  the  transfer  of  his  attentions,  or  that  Horace 
would  have  so  little  principle  as  to  flirt.  He's  not  the  man 
I  should  choose  for  my  Daisy,  though  I  believe  him  to  be 
honest  and  well-educated." 

"  You  are  blind  as  a  bat,  doctor,  to  every  interest  out- 
si  le  of  your  profession.  The  common  courtesies  of  friend- 
si,  ip  don't  bring  a  young  man  to  the  house  every  day  in 
the  week  with  flowers,  and  books,  and  music,  and  invita- 
tions to  ride,  and  don't  cause  him  to  look,  while  a  girl  is 
singing  or  talking,  as  if  he  were  in  the  seventh  heaven. 
Pray  tell  me  what  you'd  ask  for  Di  more  honorable  and 
eligible  than  a  connection  with  the  Metcalf  family." 


212  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  I  don't  object  to  the  family,  nor  to  the  young  man,  if 
he's  Daisy's  choice,  though  I  don't  covet  the  honor  of  such 
an  alliance  for  our  daughter.  But  you  are  getting  excited, 
Mary,  and  we'll  drop  this  subject  for  to-night.  I'll  ar- 
range a  summer  trip  for  Daisy ;  perhaps  she  would  like  to 
spend  a  month  with  the  Dinsmores,  at  Carrhaven,  and,  if 
so,  I  shall  send  Stephen  there  for  his  holidays." 

"  That  will  be  a  delightful  arrangement,  and  will  relieve 
me  of  all  anxiety  about  the  dear  children.  Di  and  Stephen 
will  enjoy  the  boating  and  bathing,  the  country  fare  and 
the  society  of  the  Dinsmores,  better  than  anything  else. 
I've  no  doubt  I  shall  gain  so  rapidly,  now  there's  such  a 
load  of  care  lifted  from  my  mind,  that  I  can  travel  to 
Saratoga  in  a  week  or  ten  days  from  this." 

And,  forsooth,  the  lady's  progress  from  a  state  of 
interesting  convalescence  to  the  resplendent  glories  of 
full  dress  and  the  parlors  of  Congress  Hall  was  marvel- 
lously rapid.  As  soon  as  the  doctor's  consent  to  her  pet 
plans  was  gained,  she  had  an  object  in  life ;  and  the  excite- 
ment of  overlooking  her  handsome  wardrobe,  and  the  care- 
ful disposition  of  it  in  immense  trunks,  were,  to  use  her  own 
felicitous  mode  of  expro&sion,  "better  than  drugs  for  both 
mind  and  body,  and  similar  in  their  effects  to  the  overture 
of  a  charming  opera." 

The  sail  to  New  York  and  up  the  Hudson  was,  to  Mrs. 
Howell,  only  the  bridge  from  the  stale  routine  of  home  to 
the  full  fruition  of  her  present  aspirations ;  and  to  weary 
herself  by  looking  at  the  picturesque  panorama  of  the 
liver's  shore  would  only  unfit  her  for  the  grand  perform- 
ance which  awaited  her  journey's  end. 

Arriving  at  Congress  Hall,  and  finding  only  a  small 
room,  twelve  by  fourteen  feet  in  size,  in  the  rear  of  the 
building,  could  be  obtained,  the  doctor  ventured  to  sug- 
gest that  board  in  a  private  house,  where  the  effect  of  the 


THE    SPRINGS.  213 

aromatic  odors  and  medicinal  waters  (should  not  be  counter- 
acted by  the  confusion  and  inconveniences  of  the  hotel, 
would  be  vastly  better  for  his  lady;  but  no,  she  came 
to  the  Springs  to  partake  of  the  waters  and  to  inhale  the 
breath  of  the  pines  in  the  conventional  mode.  Mrs.  Ralph, 
the  Mintwells,  and  Ilapgoods  were  at  Congress  Hall,  and 
only  there  could  she  recover  that  physical  strength  and 
elasticity  of  spirits  which  she  was  seeking  for  "  the  dear 
children's  sake." 

And  when  the  doctor  protested  against  the  stifled 
aspect  of  the  room,  its  cheap  furniture,  suggestive  odors, 
and  exorbitant  price,  Mrs.  Howell  replied,  with  an  heroic 
spirit  of  resignation, — 

"  One  never  expects  to  find  home  comforts  in  a  summer 
hotel ;  and  as  the  ladies  all  spend  their  time  in  the  parlor 
and  on  the  piazza,  it  doesn't  signify  what  kind  of  a  room  I 
occupy :  you  know  I  am  always  ready  to  make  sacrifices." 

And  when  the  doctor  left  his  wife  to  the  enjoyment  of 
her  sacrifices,  she  might  have  said,  — 

"Now  is  the  winter  of  our  discontent 
Made  glorious  summer." 


214  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER    XXIII. 

CONNECTING     LINKS. 

"  T  pray  thce,  then,  * 

Write  me  as  one  who  loves  his  fellow-men; 
The  angel  wrote,  and  vanished." 

"  The  blessing  of  him  that  was  ready  to  perish  came  upon  me;  and  I  caused 
the  widow's  heart  to  sing  for  joy." 

JOB. 

"DAISY,  have  you  seen  Mrs.  Atwood  since  I  went 
away?"  the  doctor  asked,  on  the  evening  of  his  return 
from  Saratoga. 

"No;  and  I've  scarcely  spoken  with  her  since  mamma 
was  taken  ill,  and  I've  not  been  to  the  prison  for  more 
than  a  mouth.  Mrs.  Jenks  has  been  in  so  much  trouble  since 
the  day  you  left  that  I've  given  her  nearly  all  my  time. 
Her  poor  little  cripple  died  in  my  arms  yesterday,  and  the 
mother  is  so  overcome  with  grief  as  to  be  almost  insensi- 
ble to  the  wants  of  her  family.  Mr.  Jenks  is  worse  than 
usual,  the  baby  is  sick,  and  Bessie  and  Mary  can  only  work 
under  my  direction." 

"  I'm  sorry  this  should  occur  in  my  absence ;  but  we 
ought  to  rejoice  that  Susie  is  released  from  suffering.  She 
would  always  have  been  a  cripple  and  imbecile,  had  she 
lived.  The  poor  mother's  love  has  been  given  without 
stint  to  this  unfortunate  child,  and  now  her  heart  takes  no 
counsel  with  reason  in  her  sorrow.  Has  there  been  no 
one  to  help  the  family  in  this  crisis  but  yourself?" 


CONNECTING   LINKS.  215 

"  Miss  Wheeler  has  done  all  she  could ;  but  Mrs.  Met- 
calf  left  town  before  this  new  trouble  came  upon  the 
Jenkses.  I've  missed  her  advice  and  the  contents  of  her 
purse." 

"  YotiVe  been  having  too  much  care  and  responsibility, 
Daisy,  for  the  last  six  weeks,  and  I've  seen  no  way  to 
relieve  you  from  it  until  now.  I  shall  take  Edna  to 
Hollyville  on  Monday,  and  you  and  Stephen  must  go  to 
Carrhaven  in  the  evening  boat." 

"  I  should  be  glad  and  grateful  for  the  rest  and  change 
if  I  could  keep  Edna  with  me,  and  if  you  could  leave  your 
patients  only  half  of  each  week,  and  enjoy  the  sea-shore 
with  us." 

"  I'll  break  away  from  work  as  often  as  possible ;  and  as 
Carrhaven  is  but  four  hours'  sail  from  town,  I  shall  spend 
all  my  leisure  there.  "Pis  better  for  Edna  to  go  into  the 
country.  She's  had  enough  of  the  sea  during  the  last 
year;  and  then  I  have  other  reasons  for  wishing  her  to 
spend  the  summer  with  Captain  Ashmead's  relatives. 
But  to  return  to  Mrs.  Atwood.  Have  you  heard  there 
is  a  prospect  of  her  going  to  San  Francisco  with  the 
Pomeroys  ?  " 

"Indeed,  no  !     How  can  she  go  so  far  from  Lewis?" 

"  I've  a  long  story  to  tell  you,  Daisy.  You  know  how 
necessary  Mrs.  Atwood  has  become  to  the  Porneroy  fam- 
ily, and  how  interested  she  is  in  them.  Well,  some  time 
last  May,  Mr.  Pomeroy  told  me  he  had  a  large  business  in 
San  Francisco,  and  it  would  be  decidedly  for  his  interest 
to  settle  there,  but  his  wife's  invalid  state  made  such  a  re- 
moval impossible, he  thought;  and  as  he  would  be  obliged 
to  spend  the  coming  winter  there,  he  was  regretting  the 
necessity  for  a  separation  from  his  family.  I  told  him 
the  sea  voyage  and  the  change  of  climate  would  be  bene- 
ficial to  his  wife ;  and  when  I  represented  to  her  all  the 


216  DK.' HOWEXL'S  FA.MILY. 

advantages  of  a  residence  in  San  Francisco,  she  was  quite 
willing  to  go,  if  Mrs.  Atwood  could  be  induced  to  accom- 
pany them,  as  companion  for  her  and  governess  for  the 
children  ;  but,  of  course,  Mrs.  Atwood  could  not  think  of 
leaving  Lewis,  when  she  had  come  to  Hanthrop  purposely 
to  be  near  him.  Mr.  Pomeroy  has  been  a  prison  inspector 
for  the  last  year,  and  had  become  interested  in  Lewis ; 
and  he  proposed,  if  by  any  means  we  could  secure  the 
young  man's  pardon  and  release,  to  take  him  to  San  Fran- 
cisco, and  keep  him  in  his  employ  and  in  his  family,  until 
his  strength  and  integrity  had  been  tested.  Then  I  went 
to  the  governor,  and  laid  Lewis's  case  before  him,  and  the 
prison  chaplain,  the  warden,  Mr.  Pomeroy,  and  I  have 
been  working  hard  since  May  to  secure  a  pardon  for  the 
poor  boy.  Only  the  day  before  I  went  to  Saratoga,  the 
governor  gave  me  a  conditional  promise  that  Lewis  should 
be  pardoned  when  one  year  of  his  sentence  had  been  served. 
That  will  be  in  November,  and  much  depends  on  Lewis's 
behavior  during  these  months  of  probation." 

"  I'm  sure  he  must  do  well  with  such  a  hope  to  cheer 
and  prompt  him.  I've  had  great  confidence  in  his  repent- 
ance, and  in  his  desire  to  redeem  his  character." 

"But  Lewis  knows  nothing  of  what  we've  been  doing 
for  him,  and  is  not  to  have  the  prospect  of  pardon  held  up 
as  an  incentive  to  good  behavior.  However,  there  seems 
such  a  genuine  change  in  him,  he  is  so  quiet,  studious, 
and  faithful  in  his  work,  that  I  have  scarcely  a  fear  for  him. 
It  will  be  well  for  you  to  encourage  him  with  as  much 
attention  as  you  can.  The  last  time  I  saw  him,  he  told 
me,  with  many  tears,  that  his  mother's  devotion  to  him, 
your  kindness,  and  my  care  had  given  him  confidence  to 
think  God  had  pardoned  him." 

"The  Master's  re  wauls  are  very  sweet  and  precious, 
even  in  this  life,  dear  father,"  Diantha  said,  raising  the 


CONNECTING   LINKS.  217 

doctor's  hand  to  her  lips,  and  then  holding  it  against  her 
flushed  and  tear-stained  cheek  in  a  way  peculiar  to  her- 
self, when  reverence,  gratitude,  or  any  deep  emotion  over- 
came her.  "  Tell  me  how  Mrs.  Atwood  bears  the  great 
hope." 

"  She  seems  a  new  creature.  I  believe,  if  such  a  joy  had 
come  to  her  suddenly,  it  would  have  proved  too  much  for 
her  strength ;  and  her  gratitude  to  us  is  beyond  expression 
or  measure.  She  has  no  doubts  or  fears  for  Lewis,  if  he 
can  be  removed  where  his  crime  and  punishment  are  un- 
known. You  must  visit  the  prison  before  going  to  Carr- 
haven." 

"Yes.  Little  Susie  will  be  buried  in  the  morning,  and 
by  two  o'clock  I  can  be  released  from  my  attendance 
there;  and  I'll  take  Edna  with  me,  and  leave  her  with 
Mrs.  Atwood  while  I  go  to  the  prison." 

Diantha  had  more  reasons  for  wishing  to  spend  a  few 
weeks  in  Can-haven  than  she  could  have  explained  satis- 
factorily to  her  father. 

First  of  all,  she  rejoiced  to  have  Stephen  where  he  would 
be  chiefly  dependent  on  her  for  society,  and  on  rational 
and  healthful  out-of-door  pursuits  for  amusement.  His 
nature  was  so  unsuspicious  and  pliant,  he  was  so  buoy- 
ant, and  so  fond  of  the  sports  of  college  life,  that  his  wise 
and  cautious  sister  feared  he  was  losing  the  power  to  dis- 
criminate between  wholesome  recreation  and  those  dis- 
sipations which  are  the  highways  to  positive  vice.  Her 
fears  for  Stephen  were  somewhat  shadowy  and  undefined, 
and  desiring  to  keep  her  father's  mind  as  clear  from  per- 
plexing thoughts  as  possible,  she  had  not  shared  them 
with  him.  Mrs.  Howcll  had  been  too  much  preoccupied 
with  self  to  notice  any  change  in  the  boisterous  mirth  of 
her  son's  weekly  visits. 

And  then,  for  once,  Diantha  was  so  considerate  of  her 


218  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

own  happiness  as  to  be  glad  of  an  excuse  for  a  short  absence 
from  Hanthrop.  Since  the  St.  Mark's  festival,  the  atten- 
tions of  Horace  Metcalf  had  been  tinged  with  a  meaning 
which  she  could  not  fail  to  comprehend  ;  and  she  intuitively 
felt  that  to  avoid  giving  him  the  pain  and  humiliation  of  a 
refusal  would  require  of  her  much  tact  and  a  gracious  wis- 
dom born  of  Christian  charity.  To  retain  his  friendship 
would  be  agreeable  to  her,  and  to  refuse  a  direct  offer  of 
marriage  from  him,  she  knew,  would  not  only  involve  her 
mother's  severest  displeasure,  but  the  loss  of  her  friendly 
relations  with  Mrs.  Metcalf.  She  dared  not  go  to  her 
father  for  counsel  in  this  emergency,  though  a  rare  inti- 
macy and  harmony  of  feeling  existed  between  them  ;  for 
she  feared,  in  this  strait  between  two  evils,  his  influence 
would  be  thrown  on  the  side  of  one  who  could  offer  her  an 
honorable  name,  an  ample  fortune,  and  a  home  in  Han- 
throp. Not  that  she  suspected  her  father's  choice  would  be 
governed  by  worldly  considerations ;  but  she  knew  he  had 
a  hi<rh  regard  for  the  moral  excellences  of  Horace  Met- 

o  o 

calf^  and  his  great  love  for  her  would  make  him  almost  self- 
ishly desirous  of  keeping  her  near  him,  and  placing  her 
in  a  position  where  her  influence  and  her  ability  to  help 
others  would  be  broadened  and  deepened.  She  knew  her 
father  was  deeply  interested  in  Captain  Ashmead,  but  that 
gentleman's  uncertain  fortunes  would  weigh  heavily  against 
his  virtues,  even  when  the  balances  were  held  by  a  mind 
as  clear,  generous,  and  unselfish  in  its  judgments  as  was 
Dr.  Howell's.  Horace  Metcalf  was  not  more  than  five 
years  Diantha's  senior;  polished  and  courtly  in  demeanor, 
well  read  in  polite  literature  and  history  ;  consistently  true 
and  pure,  so  far  as  the  world  could  take  cognizance  of  his 
acts ;  strictly  observant  of  the  letter  of  the  law ;  yet  he 
lacked  the  "  one  thing  needful"  —  a  high-toned  religious 
principle. 


CONNECTING    LINKS.  219 

Captain  Ashmead  had  little  of  that  outward  polish  which 
often  conceals  the  lack  of  intellectual  strength,  was  not  as 
familiar  with  general  literature  as  his  rival,  and  knew  less 
of  those  topics  which  are  the  warp  and  woof  of  conversa- 
tion in  polite  society.  He  had,  moreover,  the  misfortune 
to  limp  upon  a  cork  limb,  was  twelve  years  older  than 
Diantha,  had  no  fortune  and  no  settled  vocation,  and 
had  never  said  in  words  she  was  the  one  woman  whom  he 
could  love,  cherish,  and  honor;  yet  in  the  maiden's  heart 

"  Love  had  nought  to  do 
With  meetness  or  unmeetness." 

She  recognized  in  him  a  master,  and  in  his  character  that 
moral  excellence,  religious  principle,  and  manly  strength 
which  are  the  fruits  of  victory  over  self — of  temptations 
and  obstacles  met  and  mastered. 

Truly,  Dinntha's  feet  had  crossed  the  brook  and  entered 
the  strong,  dee})  river;  but  if  its  tide  carried  beyond  her 
grasp  many  coveted  joys,  and  bore  to  her  only  withered 
leaves  when  she  had  looked  for  golden  fruitage,  yet  she 
was  one  who  would  carry  through  life  a  spring-time  fresh- 
ness and  perfume,  and  her  quiet  heart  would  accept  un- 
questioningly  whatever  discipline  of  trial,  temptation,  and 
disappointment  God  chastened  it  with. 

Before-  Diantha  went  to  Carrhaven,  Dr.  Howell  took 
Edna  Shreve  to  Captain  Ashmead's  relatives  in  Hollyville; 
and  though  he  had  but  one  day  to  spend  with  the  occu- 
pants of  the  parsonage,  he  was  more  than  satisfied,  at  its 
close,  to  leave  his  little  ward  in  such  charge.  True  refine- 
ment and  intelligence  without  ostentation  characterized  the 
elderly  Mrs.  Ashmead  and  her  daughter.  The  minister, 
Rev.  William  Osborne,  was  one  of  those,  scholarly,  hard- 
working, self-denying  men  whose  real  worth,  because  of 
his  modesty  and  reticence,  would  never  be  rewarded  with 


220  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

a  large  salary ;  but  he  labored  cheerfully  in  the  Master's 
vineyard,  not  for  that  scanty  pittance  which  afforded  him- 
self and  family  only  the  plainest  food  and  clothing,  but 
because  he  loved  the  truth,  and  was  willing  to  sacrifice  all 
worldly  considerations  for  it.  Dr.  Howell  felt,  while  com- 
muning with  the  minister  and  his  family,  as  if  he  were  in 
an  atmosphere  far  above  the  petty  rivalries,  frivolities,  and 
dross  of  common  life.  He  parted  from  them  richer  for  the 
wisdom  which  had  dropped  from  the  clergyman's  lips,  and 
happier  for  the  glimpse  of  unpretending  but  contented 
home-life  he  had  seen ;  in  fine,  so  well  pleased  with  the 
plain  country  home  and  the  majestic  scenery,  as  to  promise 
a  visit  from  himself  and  Diantha  before  the  fading  of 
Hollyville's  summer  glories. 

Edna  Shreve,  notwithstanding  her  shrinking  timidity, 
was  quite  as  much  at  home  in  the  parsonage  before  the 
close  of  her  first  week's  stay,  as  she  was  in  Dr.  HowelPs 
family ;  she  learned  to  call  Mrs.  Osborne  aunt  Elinor,  and 
very  quickly  acquainted  her  new  relative  with  all  her 
reasons  for  admiring  Captain  Ashmead  and  loving  Miss 
Howell. 

She  found  Mrs.  Osborne  an  attentive  listener  whenever 
Diantha's  excellences  were  the  theme  of  conversation, 
while  the  little  Osbornes  never  wearied  of  her  stock  of 
childish  stories,  and  her  reminiscences  of  the  little  girl  who 
was  buried  under  the  cypress  tree  in  Smyrna. 

The  minister  introduced  her  into  the  brown  farm-houses 
which  dotted  the  hills  and  meadows,  aunt  Elinor  made 
her  useful  in  the  kitchen  and  with  her  needle,  and  Mrs. 
Ashmead  taught  her  knitting  and  lace-work;  and  no  won- 
der Edna  thought,  if  all  the  people  in  the  world  were  like 
those  whom  she  had  met  since  the  wreck  of  the  Stella  left 
her  homeless  and  friendless,  it  would  be  pleasant  to  live. 

And  while  Edna  Shreve  is  gaining  strength  and  buoy- 


CONNECTING   LINKS.  221 

ancy  from  the  pure  country  air,  and  the  simple  pleasures 
which  her  new  friends  provide  her  with;  while  Diantha 
and  Stephen  are  rowing,  and  riding,  and  walking  to  all 
points  of  interest  in  and  around  Can-haven ;  and  the  doc- 
tor nmve.T.iedly  crosses  those  thresholds  where  sickness  and 
poverty  have  preceded  him,  —  Mrs.  Howell's  cup  is  over- 
flowing with  the  delights  of  appearing  in  full  dress  every 
day,  and  her  intellect  and  heart  are  becoming  more  shriv- 
elled and  callous,  with  only  such  sustenance  as  she  gathers 
from  the  particularly  gay  Saratoga  season.  For  example, 
she  asks  of  Mrs.  Goodenow,  in  a  whisper,  as  the  two  ma- 
trons sit  in  a  favorable  position  for  watching  the  dancers, — 

"  Is  that  a  real  lace  flounce  on  that  buff  glace  silk?" 

Mrs.  Goodcnow's  eye-glass  is  called  into  service  before 
replying. 

"  Certainly ;  the  Hartshorns  of  Baltimore  never  wear 
imitation  laces.  That  flounce  cost,  at  least,  three  hundred 
dollars;  and  look  at  her  pearls  —  they're  fit  for  a  princess! 
She's  engaged  to  that  gentleman  in  uniform,  Major  Bick- 
ford.  He's  terribly  dissipated ;  but  he  has  an  elegant 
figure,  and  is  in  the  best  society." 

"  Hortense  is  lovely  in  her  blue  grenadine,  and  she's  the 
most  graceful  dancer  on  the  floor.  Who's  her  partner?" 

"Theodore  Mintwell.  He's  very  devoted  to  her,  and 
would  be  a  good  match ;  but  I  don't  want  to  see  her  en- 
gaged until  after  we've  brought  her  out  in  Paris.  American 
girls,  if  they  are  rich,  handsome,  and  stylish,  stand  a  good 
chance  of  marrying  titles  on  the  continent." 

"•  Ilortense  is  stylish  enough  for  any  position.  See  what 
a  horrible  combination  of  colors  on  that  pale  brunette! 
a  bright  buft'  silk,  with  green  trimmings  and  coral  orna- 
ments ! " 

"  Not  quite  so  loud,  Mary  ;  we  may  be  overheard.  She's 
a  Spanish  heiress,  from  Havana ;  and  they  say  there's  no 


222  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

end  to  her  dresses  and  jewels.  She's  a  little  fast,  but  very 
stylish  and  popular,  and  I'm  half  crazy  for  an  introduc- 
tion." 

At  this  point  Mrs.  Hapgood  came  up,  and  a  new  turn 
was  given  to  the  flow  of  words  —  one  could  not  say  to  the 
thought  nor  to  the  conversation,  for  these  articles  were 
used  as  sparingly  in  Saratoga  as  if  frequent  use  would 
diminish  the  stock.  This  lady's  husband,  the  Hon.  Carlos 
Hapgood,  had  been  sent  to  Congress  by  the  citizens  of  New 
York,  and  had  been  so  fortunate  as  to  secure  a  government 
contract ;  therefore  there  was  no  question  about  Mrs.  Hnp- 
good's  pretensions  to  fashion,  or  her  right  to  wear  diamond- 
eyed  beetles  in  her  hair,  a  golden  serpent  with  emerald 
eyes  and  tongue  coiled  around  her  delicate  wrist,  and  dia- 
monds and  emeralds  swinging  in  her  ears,  and  flashing  on 
her  white  hands. 

"You  go  to  the  races,  of  course,  Mrs.  Goodenow?" 
asked  the  owner  of  the  jewels ;  and  then,  without  waiting 
for  a  reply,  she  continued  :  — 

"I've  bet  on  Donna  Maria;  she's  sure  to  win;  steps  out 
as  clean  and  spiritedly  as  if  she  knew  how  many  ladies  had 
staked  their  fans,  and  rings,  and  costly  knickknacks  on 
her  good  behavior.  The  General  is  a  heavy-limbed  beast, 
only  fit  for  a  cavalry  charge,  and  the  Duchess  broke  last 
week  into  a  decided  gallop,  at  least  three  times.  I  shall  be 
vexed  enough  to  pinch  Donna  Maria's  pretty  ears,  if  she 
don't  win  for  me  the  emerald  that  sparkles  on  Major  Bick- 
ford's  left  hand,  and  a  box  of  Paris  kids,  from  Barton 
Oliver,  and  Stewart's  best  point  lace  collar,  from  that  jolly 
old  Cuban,  who  bets  at  hap-hazard,  without  knowing  any- 
thing more  about  horses  than  I  know  about  Hebrew." 

The  lady  was  so  amused  with  the  aptness  of  her  allusion 
to  the  Oriental  language,  that  Mrs.  Goodenow  found  space 
to  say,  — 


CONNECTING   LINKS.  223 

"I  lost  on  the  Duchess  last  weekjLhree  stakes,  and  I've 
no  courage  left  for  betting." 

"  You  are  the  last  lady  who  should  mind  a  few  losses. 
Doesn't  everybody  know  Ralph  Goodenow  is  made  of 
money  ?  And  there's  such  fun,  such  excitement,  in  betting ! 
The  races  are  the  real  life  at  Saratoga  this  summer.  Do 
you  bet  on  Donna  Maria,  Mrs.  Howell  ?" 

"  I  haven't  been  strong  enough  to  go  to  the  races  yet, 
and  I  won't  make  a  venture  till  I've  seen  the  horses  trot.  I 
shall  go  on  Wednesday." 

And  with  little  variation  the  talk  veered  from  the  races 
to  the  ladies'  toilets,  from  the  worth  of  jewels  to  the  last 
bit  of  gossip ;  and  cards,  billiards,  dancing,  and  dressing 
filled  up  the  days  and  nights.  This  is  not  an  exaggerated 
picture  of  that  gilded  life  called  fashionable,  which  tempts 
men  to  speculate,  embezzle,  forge,  and  procure  money  at 
all  hazards,  for  the  sake  of  revolving  within  the  charmed 
circle. 

"  Can  such  things  be, 
And  overcome  us  like  a  summer's  cloud, 
Without  our  special  wonder?" 


224  DR.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER    XXIV. 

CABRHAVEST. 

"  She  is  most  fair,  nnd  thereunto 

Her  life  doth  rightly  harmonize; 
Feeling  or  thought  that  was  not  true 
Ne'er  made  less  beautiful  the  blue, 
Unclouded  heaven  of  her  eyes." 

LOWELL. 

A  MIDSUMMER'S  sun  shone  upon  Carrhaven ;  the  sultry 
breath  of  the  day  seemed  laden  with  narcotic  power;  the 
cattle  stood  knee-deep  in  brooks,  or  lay  in  the  shadows  of 
the  maples.  Only  the  shiver  of  aspen  leaves  whispered  of 
life  and  motion  in  the  vegetable  world,  while  the  click 
and  hum  of  insect  life  fell  harshly  on  the  universal  hush. 
Even  the  restless  waves  of  the  Sound  seemed  strangely 
benumbed  as  they  broke  in  lazy  ripples  on  the  hot  sands 
of  the  beach. 

"  Come,  Di ;  get  your  hat  and  Tennyson's  Poems,  and 
we'll  be  off  in  the  Mermaid.  This  heat  is  intolerable,  and 
I  dare  say  there's  a  stiff  breeze  not  a  mile  from  shore;  we'll 
drift  out  with  the  tide;  and  while  I  use  the  oars,  you  shall 
read  the  Princess." 

The  brother  and  sister  were  sitting  under  a  thick-leaved 
tree,  whose  branches  swept  against  the  brown  farm-house 
where  they  were  domiciled,  and  Diantha  had  just  closed 
the  book  from  which  she  had  been  reading  aloud. 

"O,  Stephen,  you  are  not  serious!     This  is  Sunday." 

"  Of  course  it  is,  or  I  shouldn't  have  listened  to  your  long 


CAERHAVEJT.  225 

sermon ;  but  as  I  have  conquered  my  prejudices,  so  must 
you.  There's  a  passage  floating  in  my  memory  something 
like  this :  '  It  is  lawful  to  do  well  on  the  Sabbath  day.' 
Your  religion  don't  forbid  acts  of  mercy  on  this  day,  and 
you  may  consider  me  a  sheep  fallen  into  the  pit.  I'm  cer- 
tainly in  the  Slough  of  Despond,  and  your  reading  of  the 
Princess  may  help  me  out." 

"Please  never  misapply  passages  from  the  Bible,  dear 
brother,  to  strengthen  you  in  what  your  conscience  tells 
you  is  wrong.  I  can't  go  out  boating,  and  I  can't  read  the 
Princess,  to-day;  but  I'll  go  with  you  to  a  shady  nook, 
where  we  can  get  the  fresh  breeze  from  the  sea,  and  I'll 
read  such  selections  from  Whittier,  and  Mrs.  Browning, 
and  Peter  Bayne's  Essays,  as  will  interest  and  profit  you, 
too." 

"  And  what  i{'  I  don't  want  to  be  interested  and  profited, 
but  simply  amused,  while  the  dog-star  rules?  If  you  can't 
break  away  from  your  puritanic  platform  just  for  this  once, 
I  know  of  some  one  who'll  be  glad  enough  to  share  the 
Mermaid  with  me,  and  read  Tennyson's  Princess,  too." 

"You  wouldn't  have  spoken  so  disrespectfully  of  consci- 
entious scruples  two  years  ago." 

"  May  be  not ;  but  of  what  use  is  a  college  course  if  it 
don't  lift  a  fellow  out  of  the  stereotyped  and  narrow  chan- 
nels of  thought,  and  clear  his  vision  from  the  cobwebs  of 
early  prejudice?  The  fact  is,  Di,  you  don't  think  enough 
for  yourself.  You  are  so  trustful,  and  obedient,  and  pious, 
you  just  accept  father's  faith  without  investigation,  forget- 
ting that  the  world  has  made  progress  in  religion  as  well  as 
in  science  during  the  last  twenty-five  years." 

"  I  want  no  more  recent  revelations  of  truth  than  have 

been  our  clear  father's  beacon.     There  can  be  given  us  no 

higher,  purer,  or  safer  principles  than  those  taught  by  our 

Saviour,  and  we  are  expressly  forbidden  to  add  to  or  to 

15 


226  DR.  HOAVELL'S  FAMILY. 

take  away  from  the  book  upon  which  God's  holy  seal  has 
been  set." 

"Cythe  book  is  well  enough,  Di,  and,  I've  no  doubt,  con- 
tains the  best  moral  code  that  has  ever  been  given  the 
world ;  but  new  light  has  been  thrown  upon  old  truths, 
and  altogether  a  more  liberal  interpretation  of  the  Chris- 
tian law  prevails.  I  didn't  intend  to  throw  contempt  upon 
my  father's  faith.  I  believe  if  there's  an  honest  man  liv- 
ing,'tis  Dr.  Ho  well.  So  don't  look  so  solemn,  Di.  I  mean 
to  keep  my  eyes  open,  and  have  intelligent,  well-grounded 
beliefs.  When  I  get  what  you  call  religion,  it  must  have 
the  sanction  of  my  intellect." 

"God  grant  it  may  purify  and  sanctify  not  only  your  in- 
tellect, but  your  heart." 

"  That  was  piously  said  —  one  of  Diana's  keenest  shots. 
And  now,  as  the  goddess  won't  condescend  to  share  the 
pastimes  of  mortals,  I'll  go  over  to  the  hotel,  and  ask  Hor- 
ace Metcalf  to  lend  the  music  of  his  voice  to  the  dipping 
of  my  oars." 

"Do  you  mean  to  say  Hoi-ace  Metcalf  is  in  Carrhaven?" 

"Just  that.  I  saw  him  in  excellent  condition  last  even- 
ing, dutifully  assisting  his  mother  to  carry  her  parasol  and 
satchel  from  the  pier  to  the  hotel,  and  I  had  the  honor  of 
extending  to  them  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  and  wel- 
coming them  to  this  rock-bound  coast  and  dog-day  sun. 
They  inquired  for  Diana,  and  sent  her  their  worshipful 
salutations.  Will  the  presence  of  a  gallant  young  knight 
in  the  Mermaid  tempt  you  to  drift  out  upon  the  summer 
sea?" 

"  Now  that  you  are  registered  for  your  junior  year,  Ste- 
phen, do  throw  away  your  sophomoric  superfluities  and 
quotations.  Affectation  in  men  seems  more  puerile  than 
in  women.  You  know  Horace  Metcalf's  presence  in  the 
Mermaid  will  not  alter  my  decision.  What  brought  him 
to  Carrhaven?" 


CAEEHAVEN.  227 

"Seeing  him  alight  from  the  deck  of  the  Cohasset,  I 
logically  inferred  she  had  the  honor  of  bringing  him,  backed, 
doubtless,  by  his  mother's  watchful  provision  for  his  health. 
I  wonder  if  there  isn't  a  golden  mean  somewhere  be- 
tween Mrs.  Metcalf  's  devotion  to  her  son  and  our  mother's 
devotion  to  dress.  Now,  Horace  would  be  wonderfully 
improved  and  strengthened,  in  my  opinion,  if  left  for  a 
time  to  govern  himself,  while  a  little  judicious  pruning  from 
a  mother's  hand  might  be  useful  to  me." 

"You're  in  the  strangest  mood,  Stephen;  don't  think 
nor  speak  disrespectfully  of  mamma.  And  now  let  me 
persuade  you  not  to  go  out  in  the  Mermaid  to-day.  I've 
been  out  boating  with  you  every  day  since  we  came  to  Carr- 
haven  ;  not  because  I  like  the  water,  —  for  I'm  always  timid 
in  a  sail-boat,  —  but  because  I  hoped  my  reading  and  talk- 
ing helped  make  your  holidays  agreeable.  Now,  if  I  share 
your  sports  six  days  in  the  week,  won't  you  help  me  spend 
the  seventh  in  such  a  way  that  we  shall  have  no  regrets 
nor  miso-ivino's  ?  " 

O  O 

"We've  only  been  here  five  days;  therefore  this  is  the 
sixth.  I  will  make  no  promises  for  to-morrow,  but  let  that 
take  care  for  itself.  Good  by,  my  little  Puritan." 

Diantha  carried  a  troubled  heart  up  to  her  chamber, 
which  overlooked  the  waters  of  the  Sound,  fruit-laden  or- 
chards, fields  of  ripening  grain,  and  green  hills,  against 
whose  sides  old  farm-houses  nestled  with  an  air  of  com- 
fortable repose,  as  if  sure  of  Nature's  sustenance  and  pro- 
tection ;  and  while  she  gazed  upon  the  summer's  beauty 
and  promise,  the  soft  hush  of  the  country  Sabbath  fell  upon 
her  spirit,  and  she  sang,  "Trust  in  the  Lord  ;  wait  patiently 
for  Him."  The  last  note  of  the  anthem  had  scarcely  floated 
from  "her  tongue  when  Mrs.  Metcalfs  arm  was  thrown 
around  her,  and  her  face  was  drawn  where  it  could  receive 
that  lady's  caress. 


228  DB.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"Your  good  hostess  told  me  you  were  in  the  front  cham- 
ber, and  your  voice  guided  me.  I  shall  make  "no  excuses 
for  this  Sabbath  visit,  because  I  have  come  to  ask  you  to 
go  into  Nature's  -grand  cathedral,  and  worship  with  me. 
Horace  and  Stephen  have  gone  out  in  the  boat.  Haven't 
you  found  some  place  where  we  can  read,  and  talk,  and 
enjoy  the  sea-air  unobserved?" 

"I  know  of  one  charming  little  nook  where  we  can  be 
sheltered  from  the  sun,  and  get  the  breeze  from  the  water. 
I  wanted  Stephen  to  go  there  to-day,  but  he's  wedded  to 
his  boat."  Diantha  took  up  her  hat  and  books,  and  pre- 
pared to  show  Mrs.  Metcalf  the  sheltered  nook.  "Do  you 
mind  a  long  walk  ?  "  she  asked ;  and  her  friend  noticed  the 
slight  tremor  of  troubled  thought  that  clung  to  her  voice. 

"I'm  a  good  walker,  but  I  don't  crave  a  long  exj ••••sure 
to  this  merciless  sun.  Stop  a  minute,  Daisy.  I  may  use 
your  father's  pet  name  for  you,  may  I  not?" 

"If  it  pleases  you,  certainly,"  Diautha  answered,  with 
heightened  color. 

"  You  are  vexed  about  something ;  is  it  because  Horace 
and  Stephen  have  consulted  their  own  pleasure  instead  of 
ours  ?  " 

"  I've  been  so  sorry  for  Stephen  to  spend  his  Sabbath  in 
such  a  way  as  would  displease  father ; "  and  in  the  clear 
eyes  upraised  to  Mrs.  Metcalf's  there  could  be  read  no 
other  annoyance. 

"  Then  forget  it,  my  dear,  and  remember,  when  there's 
no  church  service  in  a  place  like  this,  young  men  must 
have  some  way  to  kill  time ;  and  boating  is  a  quiet,  harm- 
less amusement.  You  haven't  asked  why  we  altered  our 
plans,  and  came  to  Carrhaven,"  Mrs.  Metcalf  added,  as  they 
took  the  worn  footpath  through  the  orchard,  leading  to 
some  high  rocks  nearly  a  half  mile  from  the  farm-house. 

"I  was  sure  you  would  tell  me  if  you  wished  me  to 
know." 


CARRHAVEN.  229 

"You  haven't  as  much  curiosity  as  our  sex  are  credited 
with,  and  I  like  your  quiet  trustfulness.  Most  girls  now- 
adays seem  so  restless,  so  wanting  in  self-reliance  and  in 
mental  resources  for  enjoyment,  so  eager  for  novelties  and 
excitements,  that  I  sometimes  think  they  mistake  the  glit- 
ter and  rustle  of  life's  husks  for  the  golden  kernel.  'Tis 
refreshing  to  meet  a  girl  who  seems  unconscious  of  her 
own  claims,  who  lives  for  some  purpose,  and  who  doesn't 
appear  to  regard  the  world  as  created  expressly  for  her 
own  gratification.  But  now  for  my  changed  plans.  We 
went  to  the  mountains,  expecting  to  meet  some  friends 
from  the  South;  but  disappointment  met  us  instead  at 
every  stopping-place.  The  season  has  been  so  dry  that 
where  cascades  and  brooks  fell  and  rippled  last  year,  now 
only  a  tiny  thread  of  water  tells  of  former  abundance  and 
beauty,  and  in  many  places  the  beds  of  streams  were  dry. 
Parched  and  brown  hill-sides,  clouds  of  dust,  and  hosts  of 
caterpillars,  hotels  crowded  with  a  throng  of  restless,  vul- 
gar, purse-proud  guests,  robbed  the  mountain  scenery  of 
its  glory,  and  made  us  thirsty  for  the  sea.  And  hearing 
you  were  at  Carrhaven,  and  wishing  to  become  acquainted 
with  this  picturesque  coast,  we  have  dropped  anchor  here 
for  a  few  days.  Are  we  welcome  ?  " 

At  this  moment  a  turn  in  the  orchard  path  brought 
them  in  full  view  of  the  Sound,  and  pointing  to  its  glitter- 
ing waves,  Diantha  asked,  — 

"Isn't  there  a  welcome  for  all  who  seek  refreshment 
and  peace?  But  look;  do  you  see  that  one  solitary  white 
speck?  That  is  the  sail  of  Stephen's  Mermaid ;  and  if  you 
were  not  always  a  congenial  friend  to  me,  I  should  wel- 
come you  for  the  society  you  have  brought  my  brother. 
I  don't  understand  his  present  restless  mood.  It  fills  me 
with  anxiety." 

Mrs.  Metcalf  was   not   quite   satisfied   with   Diantha's 


230  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

answer;  and  yet  it  was  impossible  to  feel  displeased  with 
the  calm  face  and  pure  eyes  looking  wistfully  towards  the 
solitary  sail.  "  If  she  lacks  enthusiasm,"  thought  the  elder 
lady,  as  they  walked  in  silence  along  the  narrow,  rocky 
path,  "  compensation  is  made  in  the  purity,  delicacy,  and 
tenderness  of  her  nature,  and  in  her  constant  thought  for 
others." 

"  This  is  the  place,''  said  Diantha,  pointing  to  a  rustic 
seat,  overhung  with  .shelving  rocks,  and  protected  from 
the  sun  by  the  friendly  shade  of  clematis  vines,  elder 
bushes,  and  a  wild  cherry  tree  which  found  sustenance  in 
the  scanty  soil  upon  the  rocks,  several  feet  above  high 
tide.  Only  the  sea  was  visible  from  this  covert. 

"How  lovely  and  deliciously  cool!  What  a  place  for 
day-dreams  and  the  reading  of  poetry ! "  exclaimed  Mrs. 
Metcalf;  and  after  a  few  minutes  of  silent  enjoyment  she 
asked,  "Have  you  anything  to  read  which  will  be  in  har- 
mony with  the  spirit  of  the  day?" 

"  I  had  selected  an  article  on  '  Howard  and  the  Rise  of 
Philanthropy' to  read  before  I  knew  you  were  to  share 
my  pleasures  to-day.  If  we  don't  find  it  in  harmony  with 
our  mood,  we'll  try  something  else." 

There  was  no  lack  of  enthusiastic  interest  in  Diantha's 
voice  and  face  as  she  read ;  none  in  her  words  when  some 
sentiment  of  the  author  roused  her  to  discuss  his  merits. 

"  Please  read  that  last  sentence  again,  Daisy,"  asked 
Mrs.  Metcalf;  and  with  a  delicately  fitful  color  in  her  face 
Diantha  read,  — 

"  Love  has  a  thousand  modes  and  forms,  all  of  which 
may  be  consistent  with  reality  and  truth.  It  may  come 
like  the  burst  of  morning  light,  kindling  the  whole  soul 
into  new  life  and  radiance.  It  may  grow  inaudibly  and 
unknown,  until  its  roots  are  found  to  be  through  and 
through  the  heart,  entwined  with  its  every  fibre.'* 


CABRHAVEX.  231 

"I  doubt  if  love  can  grow  so  silently  as  to  become  a 
part  of  one's  nature  before  its  voice  is  heard  and  recog- 
nized," said  Mrs.  Metcalf.  "  It  certainly  came  to  me  like 
a  sudden  burst  of  light  —  not  only  my  great  human  love, 
but  the  Christian's  faith,  hope,  and  charity  were  sudden 
revelations  to  me.  Do  you  accept  the  author's  statement, 
Daisy  ?  " 

"  Mamma  says  a  girl  of  twenty  should  know  nothing 
about  love,"  Daisy  answered,  with  an  evasive  smile  and 
blush;  and  then,  after  a  minute  of  eloquent  silence,  she 
added,  "I  think  it  would  not  be  in  harmony  with  my 
nature  for  love  to  transfigure  it  suddenly.  My  Christian 
faith  was  a  silent  growth,  and  not  until  two  years  after  I 
had  learned  to  pi'ay  that  my  heart  might  be  purified  for 
the  indwelling  of  Christ's  spirit  did  I  dare  hope  that  His 
atonement  extended  to  me ; "  and  unwilling  that  her  inte- 
rior life  should  be  drawn  out  even  by  her  congenial  friend, 
Diantha  resumed  the  reading  of  the  essay. 

Its  deep  interest  for  both  ladies,  and  their  frequent 
pauses  for  comment,  made  them  unmindful  of  the  lapsing 
hours ;  and  in  their  sheltered  nook  they  could  not  see  a 
dark  cloud  with  a  white,  broken,  and  ominous  crest  slowly 
creeping  up  from  the  western  horizon.  The  sunlight  still 
bathed  the  shimmering  sea,  when  a  loud  peal  of  thunder, 
followed  by  a  rushing  current  of  wind,  brought  the  read- 
ing to  a  sudden  close  ;  and  both  ladies  ran  from  their  covert 
up  the  rocky  path,  until  a  wide  stretch  of  sea  and  sky 
could  be  seen.  They  had  scarcely  time  to  scan  the  heav- 
ens, and  read  the  alarm  in  each  other's  face,  when  a  more 
terrific  peal  burst  upon  them,  and  the  gathering  blackness 
of  the  clouds  proclaimed  the  fast  approaching  storm. 

"  We  must  run  to  the  farm-house ! "  exclaimed  Mrs. 
Metcalf. 

"Yes;  but  the  boat!     It  cannot  live  an  hour  in  such 


232  DE.  HOWBLL'S  FAMILY. 

a  wind ; "  and  Diantha,  with  blanched  cheeks,  turned 
towards  the  sea. 

"  It  may  be  they  saw  the  coming  storm,  and  made  for 
the  harbor.  We  can't  aid  them  by  remaining  here,  and  if 
we  run  to  the  hotel  or  farm,  and  do  not  find  them,  we  can 
send  strong  men  and  boats  to  their  assistance.  'Tis  the 
only  thing  we  can  do." 

"  We  can  pray,"  said  Diantha ;  and  the  maiden's  clasped 
hands,  trembling  lips,  and  upraised  eyes  told  of  her  ago- 
nizing fears,  as  well  as  her  knowledge  of  our  very  Present 
Help. 

Not  half  the  distance  from  the  rocky  coast  to  the  farm- 
house had  been  traversed  by  feet  that  scarcely  touched 
the  rugged  path,  so  rapid  was  their  flight,  when  the  storm, 
in  its  wrath,  broke  upon  them.  Their  summer  wraps  and 
cambric  dresses  were  but  a  flimsy  shield  against  the  blind- 
ing sheets  of  mingled  hail  and  rain.  Slipping  and  stum- 
bling upon  the  wet  stones,  rudely  brushed  by  the  swaying 
branches  of  the  trees,  often  obliged  to  kneel  upon  the 
drenched  earth  with  arms  clasped  around  each  other  to 
recover  sufficient  breath  to  grapple  with  the  storm,  they 
at  last  stumbled,  half-fainting,  into  the  welcome  shelter  of 
the  farm-house  porch. 

"  Have  they  come  ?  Is  my  brother  here  ?  "  Diantha 
called,  regardless  of  the  exclamations  of  the  farmer  and 
his  wife  upon  their  torn  and  dripping  clothes  and  pallid 
faces. 

"  We  thought  he  was  with  you,  and  reckoned  you  had 
both  found  shelter  in  some  neighbor's  house,"  answered 
the  farmer. 

"He  went  out  in  the  boat  with  this  lady's  son.  Run  to 
the  hotel,  please,  and  see  if  they  are  there." 

No;  the  Mermaid  had  been  seen  drifting  out  upon  the 
becalmed  sea ;  but  no  glimpse  of  returning  sail  had  been 


CAREHAVBN.  233 

caught,  and  the  farmer  affirmed  that  to  go  in  search  of  the 
boat  while  the  thunder  storm  raged  would  be  only  at  the 
cost  of  his  life,  without  hope  of  saving  others. 

"Don't  be  worried  about  the  boat,"  said  the  farmer. 
"  She  is  a  light  craft,  and  there  are  a  dozen  places  within 
as  many  miles  where  she  can  be  run  in  to  the  shore.  The 
young  men  would,  of  course,  see  the  first  signs  of  the 
storm,  and  make  for  a  landing.  I'll  bet  almost  any  sum 
they'll  turn  up  safe  and  sound  within  an  hour  after  the 
storm  passes  over.  The  Lord  have  mercy  on  us !  If  that 
clap  didn't  strike  within  fifty  rods  of  this  house,  my  name 
isn't  Abner  Perry." 

All  eyes  were  instinctively  turned  towards  the  windows ; 
andlo!  fallen  ..athwart  the  orchard  path  lay  the  ruins  of 
of  an  old  cherry  tree,  rent  from  root  to  branch  by  the  de- 
stroying angel  of  the  storm. 

There  was  nothing  for  the  anxious  mother  and  sister 
but  to  wait  and  watch  the  heavy  clouds,  the  quivering 
tongues  of  flame,  and  the  angry  waves  that  tossed  and 
glistened  in  the  lurid  light  —  nothing  but  to  wait,  watch, 
and  pray ! 


234  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

STEP  HEN. 

"  So  should  we  live  that  every  hour 
May  die  as  dies  the  natural  flower — 
A  self-reviving  thing  of  power  j 

"  That  every  thought  and  every  deed 
May  hold  within  itself  the  seed 
Of  future  good  and  future  need." 

MILNES. 

THE  hours  seemed  long  while  the  anxious  mother  and 
sister  were  waiting  in  suspense,  racked  with  forebodings 
which  each  strove  to  conceal  from  the  other.  But  at  last 
the  forked  flames  grew  fainter,  the  crashing  peals  softened 
into  distant  mutterings,  and  then  "  God's  autograph"  —  His 
glorious  bow  of  promise  —  spanned  the  heavy  clouds.  The 
gleams  of  sunshine  and  the  rainbow  would  have  brought 
joy  and  gladness  to  Mrs.  Metcalf  and  Diantha,  could  they 
have  known  that  in  a  fisherman's  cottage,  some  six  miles 
distant,  Horace  and  Stephen  were  watching  the  dying 
tempest.  They  had,  as  the  farmer  supposed,  seen  the  ap- 
proach of  the  storm,  and  were,  fortunately,  so  near  a  cove, 
into  which  Stephen  had  run  his  boat  the  day  before,  that 
they  made  a  landing  without  much  difficulty.  But,  spring- 
ing with  characteristic  fearlessness  from  his  boat  to  the 
shoi'e,  Stephen's"  foot  slipped  on  the  wet  rocks,  and  a 
sprained  ankle  was  the  fruit  of  his  impetuous  haste.  With 
the  aid  of  his  friend  he  reached  a  shelter,  and  waited  in 
pain,  and  almost  unbroken  silence,  until  the  storm  had 


STEPHEX.  235 

passed,   and   Horace  Metcalf  had   procured  a  horse  and 
wagon  to  convey  him  to  the  farm-house. 

The  pain  and  swelling  of  his  limb  had  increased  so 
rapidly  that  the  farmer's  strong  arms  were  needed  to  lift 
him  from  the  wagort,  and  to  carry  him  over  the  threshold 
lie  had  crossed  in  such  proud,  defiant  strength  a  few  hours 
before. 

"  Thank  God,  they  are  safe !  "  Mrs.  Metcalf  exclaimed, 
with  an  overflow  of  tears,  which  her  woman's  patience  and 
will  had  restrained  while  watching  in  anxiety  and  uncer- 
tainty. 

"  Of  course  we're  safe.  The  rowing  matches  and  gym- 
nastic training  of  college  boys  would  be  of  little  use  to 
us  if  we  couldn't  make  our  muscles  serve  in  time  of  need. 
We  saw  the  ominous  clouds,  hauled  in  our  canvas,  took  to 
our  oars,  and  landed  in  a  snug  little  cove,  while  the  sea 
and  land  were  shuddering  under  the  first  peal  of  thunder," 
answered  Horace  Metcalf. 

"  I  told  you  so,"  the  farmer  cried,  exultingly,  as  he  de- 
posited his  burden  on  a  couch ;  "  but  what  has  happened 
to  my  lodger  ?  "  he  asked. 

"I  think  the  lightning  must  have  dazed  him,  for  he 
missed  his  footing,  and  twisted  his  ankle." 

"  Only  retributive  justice ;  the  penalty  of  Sabbath-break- 
ing, Di,  but  not  serious  enough  to  steal  the  color  from  your 
lace,"  Stephen  said,  in  answer  to  the  questions  in  Diantha's 
eyes. 

The  farmer  and  his  wife  and  Mrs.  Metcalf  eagerly 
questioned  the  young  men,  who  were  both  talking  at  once, 
making  light  of  the  accident,  and  laughing  at  the  anxiety 
they  had  occasioned,  while  Diantha  was  removing  the  ban- 
dages with  which  the  fisherman's  wife  had  bound  Stephen's 
swollen  limb. 

"You  see  Diana  knows  how  to  serve  unfortunate  mor- 


236  DB.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

tals.  The  accident  has  a  purpose :  she'd  hardly  feel  at  ease 
in  Carrhaven  without  a  broken  limb  to  expend  her  sympa- 
thies on."  Stephen's  raillery  was  hardly  checked  by  pain, 
which  caused  him  to  wince  and  groan,  even,  while  protest- 
ing it  was  such  a  novel  sensation,  he  was  glad  of  the  ex- 
citement. 

"  If  father  were  only  here  ! "  Diantha  sighed,  while  bath- 
ing the  inflamed  ankle. 

"  His  face  would  be  a  cordial  just  now;  but  I  shall  do 
well  enough  with  your  care,  Daisy :  it's  only  a  sprain,  an 
awkward,  uncomfortable  thing,  that  will  keep  me  on  the 
sofa  for  a  few  days,  and  give  you  an  excellent  excuse  for 
reading  aloud  all  those  precious  sermons  and  essays  that 
your  trunk  is  filled  with.  But,  Metcalf,  I  reckon  the 
castles  we  built  this  morning  have  floated  off  on  the  wings 
of  the  storm." 

"  You'll  take  no  longer  excursions  than  to  the  shady 
piazza  of  this  farm-house  for  the  next  ten  days,  I'll  war- 
rant," Metcalf  replied  ;  and  then,  turning  to  Diantha,  he  con- 
tinued :  "  We  had  planned  some  long  walks  for  the  pur- 
pose of  making  botanical  and  geological  researches ;  but 
we  must  content  ourselves  with  this  glorious  sea-view,  and 
such  pleasures  as  we  can  gather  from  reading  and  conver- 
sation for  the  present;"  and  as  the  young  man  watched 
the  ready  service  of  Diantha's  small  hands,  and  the  tender 
anxiety  that  alternately  paled  and  flushed  her  face,  he 
was  quite  reconciled  to  the  accident  which  would  give  him 
an  excuse  for  sharing  her  ministrations,  and  would  gladly 
have  been  the  sufferer  for  the  sake  of  receiving  such  atten- 
tions as  were  bestowed  on  Stephen. 

"  Miss  Howell,  you  must  command  my  services  at  all 
hours ;  helping  take  care  of  your  brother  will  be  balm 
to  my  conscience,  and  the  only  recompense  I  can  offer  for 
m  f  participation  in  his  Sabbath-breaking.  You  will  not 
leok  upon  it  as  a  very  serious  offence  ?  " 


8TEPHEX.  237 

"I  dare  not  sit  in  judgment  on  the  acts  of  others;  the 
water  certainly  offered  a  great  temptation  to  escape  from 
the  oppressive  heat  of  this  morning." 

"  Thank  you  for  the  admission ;  Stephen  and  I  will  sub- 
mit cheerfully  to  any  penance  you  may  impose,  if  we  may 
receive  absolution  from  you." 

"  Make  no  promises  for  me,  Metcalf;  it  will  be  penance 
enough  to  endure  the  pain ;  and  I  don't  promise  to  be 
cheerful  or  patient.  Daisy  will  need  as  much  skill  and  as 
many  resources  as  the  goddess  whose  name  she  bears,  to 
make  confinement  to  this  couch  even  tolerable  to  me. 
And,  by  the  way,  if  you  haven't  an  amusing  novel  or  a 
chess-board  along  with  you,  I  wish  you'd  send  an  order  for 
them  in  the  morning's  mail." 

"I  shall  write  for  father  to  come  by  the  boat  to-mor- 
row, Stephen,  and  I'll  ask  him  to  bring  whatever  may  be 
needed." 

"  Pooh !  he'll  think  of  nothing  but  bandages  and  lini- 
ments, splinters  and  medical  treatises  as  dry  as  Greek 
roots.  I  tell  you  I  must  be  amused ;  and  I  shall  be  as 
exacting  and  unreasonable  as  if  the  accident  had  occurred 
on  a  week-day,  and  I  had  got  maimed' while  performing  an 
act  of  mercy  for  some  of  your  miserable  waifs." 

And  in  good  sooth  he  was  no  false  prophet  —  history, 
essays,  poetry,  novels,  chess,  and  backgammon  had  almost 
lost  their  power  of  amusing  before  he  was  able  to  walk 
with  the  aid  of  a  crutch. 

Dr.  Howell  came  to  Carrhaven  as  soon  as  he  received 
Diantha's  summons.  He  found  Stephen's  ankle  severely 
sprained,  and  the  limb  so  inflamed  and  swollen,  that  rest 
and  careful  treatment  would  be  necessary  for  many  weeks. 
He  wisely  withheld  all  comment  on  the  act  which  had 
been  the  immediate  cause  of  the  accident,  and  treated  his 
son  with  more  tenderness  than  if  he  had  always  shown 


238  DE.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

deference  to  his  wishes  and  the  strength  to  conquer 
temptation. 

For  Stephen's  sake  he  did  not  particularly  regret  the  ac- 
cident, as  he  hoped  the  discipline  of  pain  might  have  a 
beneficial  influence  on  his  character ;  but  for  the  burden  of 
care  it  brought  to  Diantha  he  sorely  grieved. 

"  Stephen  will  not  need  the  daily  attendance  of  a  physi- 
cian, Daisy,"  Dr.  Howell  said,  after  explaining  the  nature 
of  his  son's  injury,  and  teaching  Diantha  how  to  treat  the 
ankle ;  "  but  it  would  be  a  great  relief  and  comfort  to  me 
if  I  could  see  you  both  each  day,  and  as  I  cannot,  in 
justice  to  my  patients,  I  must  bury  the  wish,  and  content 
myself  with  coining  to  Can-haven  twice  a  week.  I  don't 
know  how  to  relieve  you  from  care  and  fatigue,  and  it 
seems  very  hard  when  I  sent  you  here  for  rest  and  recrea- 
tion. It  would  not  be  prudent  to  remove  Stephen  to  the 
city  in  his  present  state,  even  if  our  house  were  open  and 
your  mother  and  the  servants  at  home;  and  besides,  I 
think  his  recovery  will  be  more  rapid  here,  and  the 
bracing  air  will  help  you  endure  the  fatigue  of  nursing 
him." 

"  I'm  sure  'tis  best  for  us  to  remain  here,  though  at  first 
I  was  sorry  not  to  be  at  home,  because  I  thought  your 
anxiety  would  be  greater  if  we  were  away  from  you. 
Please  don't  worry  about  us,  father ;  you  have  given  me 
the  courage  and  confidence  to  believe  I  can  take  care  of 
Stephen,  and  I  shall  have  plenty  of  help.  Mrs.  Metcalf 
and  her  son  are  very  attentive,  and  while  they  are  amusing 
my  patient  I  shall  have  time  for  exercise  and  rest." 

"I  bless  God  for  such  a  courageous  and  helpful  child, 
Daisy;"  and  the  tears  in  Dr.  Howell's  eyes,  and  the  kiss 
he  left  upon  his  daughter's  lips,  betrayed  no  lack  of 
manliness. 

Mrs.  Ilowell  wrote  pattern   letters,  expressing  admira- 


STEPHEN.  239 

tion  of  Diantha's  strong  nerves  and  ability  to  nurse  her 
brother,  mingled  with  regret  that  she,  "the  mother,  whose 
natural  prerogative  it  was  to  minister  to  her  children,  was 
so  delicate  and  sensitive,  that  even  thinking  of  her  poor 
boy's  sprained  ankle  caused  palpitation  of  the  heart,  ner- 
vous prostration,  and  other  alarming  symptoms,  which 
could  only  be  alleviated  by  copious  draughts  of  the  mineral 
waters." 

Edna  Shreve's  letters  contained  many  crumbs  of  com- 
fort, besides  her  tenderly  expressed  love.  Edna  had  seen 
Captain.  Ashmead  ;  he  had  made  a  successful  voyage  to 
Cuba  and  back  to  New  York,  and  while  in  port,  waiting 
for  a  cargo,  had  found  time  to  visit  his  relatives.  He  had 
brought  a  wonderful  work-box  to  Edna,  and  a  small  pack- 
age for  Diantha,  and  presents  for  his  mother  and  sister, 
and  after  a  two  days'  visit  had  sailed  again  for  Cuba. 

Diantha's  patience  and  courage  were  severely  tested 
before  the  waning  of  the  summer,  and  she  needed  all 
the  sweet  hope  contained  in  Edna's  guileless  letters,  all 
the  aid  and  strength  brought  by  her  father's  visits,  Mrs. 
Metealf's  constant  friendship,  and  Horace's  devotion  to 
the  invalid. 

Stephen  was  full  of  whims  and  caprices ;  sometimes 
jubilant  for  hours,  and  again  irritable  and  despondent; 
sometimes  so  reverent  and  attentive  while  Diantha  was 
singing  and  reading,  that  her  heart  was  filled  with  happy 
confidence,  only  to  be  exchanged  for  trembling  fear,  when, 
a  few  hours  later,  Stephen  would  scoff  at  what  she  most 
revered,  and  treat  as  lightly  and  contemptuously  the  sacred 
truths  of  revelation  as  if  they  were  the  devices  and  imagin- 
ings of  heathen  philosophers.  He  had  been  a  voracious 
reader  during  the  two  years  of  his  college  course;  with  the 
intent  of  knowing  w/tat  to  believe,  he  had  crammed  his 
bruin  with  sueh  plausible  sophistry  as  the  miscalled  liberal 


240  DR.  IIOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

school  of  writers  use  to  becloud  and  daze  their  own  and 
their  readers'  intellects. 

A  pure,  warm,  life-giving  faith — the  soul's  steadfast 
anchor  —  was  lost  in  the  cold  bank  of  fog  in  which 
Stephen  was  wandering,  and  which  served  only  to  conceal 
the  lack  of  thought  and  vitality  in  his  favorite  writers. 
He  had  not  learned  that  misty,  impalpable  assertions,  and 
a  dogmatic  stringing  together  of  meaningless  phrases, 
were  often  accepted  as  philosophical  reasoning  by  those 
who  were  not  honest  enough  to  confess  their  inability  to 
comprehend. 

Dr.  Howell  was  not  ignorant  of  Stephen's  unrest  —  his 
clouded  vision,  and  his  hungry  craving  for  something 
which  could  not  be  found  in  speculative  generalities ; 
and  in  a  quiet  way  he  had  endeavored  to  meet  his  doubts, 
and  give  him  wholesome  food  for  thought.  But  he  knew 
little  of  Diantha's  forbearance,  and  her  wise  treatment  of 
Stephen's  foibles,  until  one  day,  coming  unexpectedly  to 
Carrhaven,  and  hearing  the  voices  of  his  children  on  the 
piazza,  he  paused  in  the  thick  shade  of  vines  and  shrubs  to 
listen.  It  required  but  a  few  phrases  of  the  earnest  con- 
versation to  show  the  doctor  that  Diantha  was  bravely 
meeting  Stephen's  cavils,  sowing  seeds  from  which  a  har- 
vest of  high-souled  deeds  might  spring ;  but  the  weariness 
in  his  daughter's  voice  caused  him  to  mature  a  project  sud- 
denly, which  he  had  been  weighing  for  several  days. 

He  came  forward  with  his  usual  warm  greeting.  "Hard 
at  work  on  stubborn  soil,  Daisy,  I  infer  from  the  little  I 
have  overheard.  You  must  remember,  for  your  encourage- 
ment, that  when  ground  requires  deep  ploughing,  it  makes 
a  generous  return  for  the  labor  expended." 

Diantha  laid  her  face  against  her  father's  shoulder  to 
conceal  her  emotion  and  her  weariness,  and  Stephen, 
roused  at  once  to  buoyancy  and  good  humor  by  his 


STEPHEN.  241 

father's  unexpected  coming,  seized  his  crutch  and  parad- 
ed up  and  down  the  piazza,  to  show  off  his  returning 
strength. 

"  Not  too  fast,  nor  too  far,  ray  boy ;  sit  down  and  listen 
to  a  plan  of  mine,  which  I  think  will  be  of  service  to  you 
in  many  ways.  You  have  heard  me  say  before  that  a 
sprained  ankle  requires  much  time  and  rest  for  healing ; 
now,  as  you  will  not  be  able  to  return  to  college  during 
the  fall  term,  how  would  you  like  a  sea  voyage  ?  " 

"  Nothing  would  suit  me  better,  if  I  could  choose  my 
companions,  and  visit  such  ports  as  I'd  like  to  see." 

"You  mustn't  crave  impossibilities,  and  you  must  re- 
member that  in  planning  a  sea  voyage  for  you,  I'm  not 
thinking  so  much  of  your  pleasure  as  your  benefit.  I  have 
learned  from  the  owners  of  the  Aurora  that  Captain  Ash- 
mead  will  probably  sail  for  the  Mediterranean  by  the  mid- 
dle of  September.  His  ship  was  spoken  off  Cape  Hatteras 
several  days  ago,  and  doubtless  she's  now  in  New  York 
harbor.  The  Aurora  is  a  large  merchantman,  and  Mr. 
Prime  writes  me  that  she  usually  carries  three  or  four 
passengers ;  and  on  this  trip  she'll  touch  at  several  ports  in 
Southern  Europe,  and  return  by  way  of  Liverpool.  Cap- 
tain Ashmead  is  a  thorough  gentleman,  and  his  conversa- 
tion is  always  refreshing.  I  couldn't  ask  for  a  better  com- 
panion for  you." 

Diantha's  head  still  rested  on  her  father's  shoulder,  so 
that  the  grateful  gladness  of  her  face  was  hidden,  and 
Stephen,  after  a  rare  silence  of  perhaps  two  minutes,  was 
the  first  to  speak. 

"The  plan  looks  as  promising  as  Ralph  Goodenow's 
maps  and  charts.  I'd  like  to  see  the  ports  of  the  Mediter- 
ranean, and  I  think  Ashmead  would  be  a  jolly  companion 
on  a  long  voyage.  If  Metcalf  could  be  persuaded  to  go 
along,  I  should  wnnt  no  better  fun.  However,  I  am  ready 
16 


242  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

for  the  Aurora,  or  for  anything  you  advise,  that  will  bring 
change  and  excitement." 

"If  I  didn't  hope  the  voyage  would  assist  you  to  a  self- 
reliance,  trust,  and  peace,  which  would  make  change  and 
excitement  unnecessary,  I  wouldn't  favor  it  for  a  moment. 
Can  you  pack  your  trunk,  and  go  home  with  me  to- 
morrow, Daisy  ?  " 

"  With  the  greatest  pleasure ;  I  long  to  take  up  home 
duties  again." 

"  What  will  the  Metcalfs  say  to  your  sudden  flight, 
Diana?  If  you'll  sail  in  the  Aurora  With  your  trouble- 
some patient,  Horace  and  his  excellent  mamma  will  find 
abundant  excuses  for  a  change  of  climate  and  sea  voyage, 
and  then  I  shrill  have  no  lack  of  agreeable  society." 

"  Daisy  is  needed  at  home.  Your  mother  expects  to 
return  next  week,  and  I  have  two  essays  waiting  to  be 
copied,  besides  a  host  of  little  things  which  only  her  hands 
can  do  for  me.  You  mustn't  expect  to  monopolize  your 
sister,"  Dr.  Howell  replied,  as  seriously  as  if  he  supposed 
Diautha  might  be  tempted  to  sail  with  her  brother. 

And  thus  the  little  party  in  Can-haven,  whose  acquaint- 
ance and  friendship  had  grown  and  ripened  by  reason  of 
Stephen's  accident,  went  their  different  ways.  Diantha 
returned  to  the  home  which  borrowed  brightness  from  her 
cheerful  spirit,  Stephen  sailed  in  the  Aurora,  and  Mrs. 
Metcalf  and  her  son  went  to  the  Catskill  Mountains  for 
the  month  of  September. 


GOING   ABROAD.  243 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

GOING     ABROAD. 

"  The  sea  of  Fortune  doth  not  ever  flow; 

She  draws  her  favors  to  the  lowest  ebb : 
Her  tides  have  equal  times  to  come  and  go  ; 
Her  loom  doth  weave  the  fine  and  coarsest  web." 

SOUTHWELL. 

"MARY,  I  have  news  from  your  investments."  Dr. 
Howell  spoke  with  a  seriousness  that  roused  the  eager 
attention  of  his  handsomely  dressed  lady.  It  seemed 
almost  a  pity  to  disturb  the  complacent  smile  which 
rested  on  her  face,  and  which  had  appeared  indigenous 
to  her  nature  since  her  return  from  Saratoga,  nearly  g, 
week  previous  to  the  September  day  that  now  threw  its 
mellow  light  as  serenely  on  the  old  earth  as  if  there  were 
no  ebbing  of  the  tides  in  fancy  stocks. 

"Ralph  said  I  should  hear  soon.  Have  you  good 
news  ? "  she  asked ;  but  the  brightness  faded  from  her 
face  when  she  sa\y  the  answer  written  on  her  husband's. 
Its  grave  displeasure  made  words  unnecessary. 

"  Ralph  Goodenow's  lawyer  has  written  me  a  letter 
which  will  answer  your  question  ; "  and  the  doctor  read 
aloud  the  following  concise  statement:  — 

"New  YOKK,  September  10,  18-. 

"  DEAR  SIR  :  I  am  sorry  to  inform  you  that  the  Eureka 
copper  mining  stocks  are  now  valueless  in  the  market. 
The  treasurer  of  the  company,  being  unable  to  account  for 


244  DE.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

about  two  hundred  thousand  dollars'  worth  of  funds,  ab- 
sconded last  week,  and  the  agent,  whom  we  sent  out  to 
inspect  the  claims,  reports  so  many  obstacles  in  the  way 
of  successful  mining,  that  we  have  decided  to  abandon  the 
project.  You  are  doubtless  aware  that  the  quartz-crush- 
ing operations  failed  because  of  the  unparalleled  freshet  on 
the  Feather  River. 

"Hoping  you  and  Mrs.  Howell  will  suffer  no  inconven- 
ience from  the  loss  of  her  small  investments,  I  remain, 
Yours  truly, 

DANIEL  LATHAM." 

"  Do  you  think  that  lawyer  means  to  say  I  shall  never 
receive  any  return  for  my  four  thousand  dollars?" 

"Nothing  more  nor  less,  Mary;  and  I  have  still  another 
piece  of  news  which  will  surprise  you.  Ralph  Goodenow 
has  failed,  and  to  avoid  the  public  odium  of  it,  he  sailed 
for  Europe  with  his  wife  and  daughter  only  two  days  after 
you  left  them  in  Saratoga.  His  afiairs  were  managed  so 
secretly  that  the  worthlessness  of  his  stocks  was  not  known 
until  after  his  departure." 

"Gone  to  Europe!  What  can  it  mean?  I  parted 
from  them  only  last  Monday  without  a  single  hint  of 
their  going  abroad  before  spring;  and  it  was  arranged 
between  us  that  I  should  go  with  them  to  see  my  dear 
Lou.  There  must  be  some  mistake.  How  did  you  learn 
the  news?" 

"From  Mr.  Dinsmore,  who  returned  from  New  York 
to-day.  He  called  at  Latham's  office  yesterday,  and 
learned  all  the  particulars  of  Ralph's  dishonest  failure. 
There's  no  doubt  but  the  defalcation  of  the  treasurer  is  a 
patched-up  story." 

"You've  always  been  ready  to  believe  the  very  worst  of 
Ralph ;  but,  notwithstanding  my  losses,  I  have  charity  for 


GOING   ABROAD.  245 

x 

him,  and  am  sincerely  sorry  for  the  family.  Must  they 
lose  their  elegant  home  on  Montague  Square  ?  " 

"  0,  no !  Latham  told  Mr.  Dinsmore  it  was  a  gift  to 
Ralph's  wife,  when  such  a  calamity  as  the  failure  of  the 
Eureka  and  Feather  River  stocks  could  not  have  been 
foreseen ;  and,  moreover,  he  has  a  large  amount  of  prop- 
erty secured  to  each  of  his  children." 

"Thank  Heaven,  my  Lou  won't  suffer  on  account  of  the 
failure;  and  the  family  won't  be  robbed  by  creditors  of 
the  luxuries  that  have  become  a  necessity  to  them." 

"Of  course  not!  'Tis  exactly-in  keeping  with  Ralph's 
character  to  take  himself  and  family  away  from  the  annoy- 
ances and  disgrace  of  his  failure.  A  man  with  the  least 
particle  of  honor  or  honesty,  when  reverses  came,  would 
have  remained  at  the  helm,  and  shared  the  misfortunes  of 
his  creditors ;  but  Ralph  Goodenow  can  consume  money, 
fraudulently  obtained,  on  Parisian  pleasures  and  frivolities; 
can  remain  abroad  until  his  speculations  and  failures  are 
forgotten,  and  then  return  to  New  York  to  make  a  greater 
parade  of  wealth  and  elegance  than  ever  before.  I  tell 
you,  Mary,  my  soul  is  sick  with  disgust  when  the  knowl- 
edge of  such  meanness  and  perfidy  comes  to  me." 

"  You  needn't  be  so  harsh  in  judging  a  man  who  hasn't 
injui'ed  you.  The  money  he  invested  for  me  was  my 
own,  and  I  suppose  you'll  admit  he  might  have  been  hon- 
est in  thinking  the  investment  safe." 

,  "  There's  no  such  element  as  honesty  in  his  character. 
How  to  control  the  largest  amount  of  money,  how  to 
make  the  most  ostentatious  parade,  are  the  only  questions 
that  occupy  the  empty  chambers  of  his  brain.  Think  for 
a  moment  of  the  numbers  of  honest,  credulous  people  who 
have  trusted  to  Ralph  Goodenovv's  plausible  representa- 
tions, and  have  invested  their  hard-earned  savings  in  his 
fancy  stocks.  Contrast  their  disappointments,  their  sacri- 


246  DE.  -HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

fices,  their  distresses,  with  his  luxurious  living  in  Paris.  One 
instance  in  our  own  city  illustrates  the  folly  of  listening  to 
speculators,  or  trusting  to  anything  but  honest  endeavor 
and  talent  God  can  bless  for  a  livelihood.  Mr.  Dinsmore, 
by  careful  economy,  had  saved  five  thousand  dollars,  which 
was  invested  in  real  estate.  He  listened  to  Ralph  Goode- 
now's  glowing  descriptions  of  California  quartz-crushing, 
and  sold  his  property  at  a  great  sacrifice  for  the  sake  of 
investing  in  Feather  River  stocks ;  and  with  tears  in  his 
eyes  he  said  to  me,  '  My  little  fund  that  I  had  gathered 
with  so  much  care  for  the  purpose  of  educating  my  chil- 
dren is  gone.  If  I  should  die  to-morrow  my  family  would 
be  homeless  and  dependent.' " 

"Don't  trouble  me  with  other  people's  burdens,  doctor; 
my  own  are  greater  than  I  can  bear.  Mr.  Diusmore's 
losses  will  make  no  difference  in  the  dull,  prosaic  routine 
of  duties  which  he  and  his  family  pursue,  while  the  loss 
of  my  investments  will  oblige  me  to  sacrifice  tastes  that 
are  as  essential  to  me  as  the  air  I  breathe.  I  can't  under- 
stand why  Ralph  should  go  to  Europe  without  giving  me 
notice,  and  inviting  me  to  join  his  party.  How  could  they 
have  made  preparations  for  such  a  journey  in  so  short  a 
time?" 

"  Very  likely  their  plans  were  matured,  and  their  prep- 
arations made,  weeks  ago ;  but  to  avoid  suspicion  and 
creditors,  nothing  was  said  about  it." 

"  They  might  have  told  me.  I  could  have  kept  their 
secrets ;  and  they  knew  how  I  was  longing  for  a  sight  of 
my  child.  My  autumn  and  winter  will  be  dreary  enough 
with  nothing  to  think  about  but  the  loss  of  my  money  and 
my  cruel  disappointment  in  not  sailing  with  Ralph's  fam 
ily.  My  whole  life  seems  to  be  made  up  of  sacrifices !  " 

"  Don't  say  so,  Mary,  when  you've  just  enjoyed  two 
months  of  such  pleasure  as  you  delight  in.  Has  your 


GOING   ABROAD.  247 

home  no  attractions,  and  have  pur  daughter's  intelligence 
and  sweetness  no  charm  for  you?  And  think  of  Stephen's 
promise  and  Edna's  loveliness.  It  seems  to  me  you  have 
blessings  enough  to  make  your  life  full  and  rich." 

There  was  no  reply  to  the  doctor's  questions  and  re- 
marks ;  but  an  ominous  raising  of  his  lady's  kerchief  to 
her  eyes  delicately  intimated  that  her  sacrifices  could  not 
be  appreciated  by  ordinary  mortals.  After  a  minute  or 
two  of  thought  and  silence,  the  doctor  spoke  again. 

"  I  didn't  know  you  were  expecting  to  go  to  Europe  in 
company  with  Ralph's  family ;  but  knowing  what  I  do 
about  his  disgraceful  failure  and  his  entire  want  of  princi- 
ple, I  couldn't  consent  to  your  going  abroad  with  them." 

The  handkerchief  made  a  sudden  descent. 

"As  if  I'm  not  capable  of  choosing  my  own  friends  and 
pleasures!  Thanks  to  my  dear  Arthur's  provident  love, 
I've  still  money  enough,  so  that  I  can  afford  to  visit  his 
dear,  fatherless  child,  and  ask  no  favors  of  anybody.  You 
admit  that  Ralph's  failure  will  not  deprive  his  family  of 
their  home,  and  such  elegant  surroundings  as  theirs  will 
insure  them  admittance  into  the  best  society ;  and  as  for 
myself,  give  me  my  late  husband's  brother  for  a  travelling 
companion,  and  I'll  be  satisfied.  I've  always  wanted  to 
go  abroad ;  and  especially  since  Lou's  marriage  I've  hard- 
ly been  able  to  control  my  wishes.  Everybody,  who  has 
any  claim  to  style  or  respectability  nowadays,  travels  in 
Europe ;  but  I  haven't  said  much  about  my  desires  to  you, 
knowing  you  were  narrow  in  your  ideas,  and  grudged 
every  dollar  spent  for  pleasure  or  the  cultivation  of  taste." 

"  Mary,  have  I  ever  denied  you  any  pleasure  that  could 
enrich  your  life  or  elevate  your  tastes  when  it  came  within 
the  compass  of  my  means'?". 

"  O,  you've  done  your  duty,  and  have  been  generous 
enough  when  my  tastes  didn't  clash  with  your  prejudices 


248  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

and  your  charities;  but  I've  heard  you  speak  so  dispar- 
agingly of  foreign  travel  that  I  didn't  think  it  best  to  say 
much  about  my  desire  to  go  abroad  until  I  saw  my  own 
way  clear." 

"  I've  never  intended  to  disparage  the  culture,  the 
diversion,  and  the  many  benefits  which  may  arise  from 
foreign  travel ;  but  'tis  the  aimless  and  simply  fashionable 
flitting  of  our  American  people  that  you've  heard  me  con- 
demn. The  masses  do  not  go  in  search  of  anything  which 
can  rouse  worthy  aspirations:  without  that  knowledge 
of  history  or  art  which  gives  foreign  travel  its  highest 
charm,  they  rush  along  indiscriminately  with  the  tide,  only 
confirming  their  habits  of  dissipation  and  extravagance ; 
spending  money  lavishly  on  such  articles  as  shall  proclaim 
the  fact  that  they've  been  in  Paris,  and  imitating  snob- 
bishness, which  they  mistake  for  true  refinement.  It  has 
been  one  of  my  cherished  hopes  to  earn  the  right  to  a  long 
holiday,  and  to  take  you  and  Daisy  with  me  to  Europe, 
where  we  could  improve  our  tastes  by  studying  pictures, 
statuary,  architecture,  and  scenery,  and  add  to  our  future 
the  charm  and  wealth  of  Old  "World  memories  and  associa- 
tions; but  the  family  expenses  have  been  so  great  during 
the  past  year  that  our  holiday  must  be  indefinitely  post- 
poned." 

At  this  point  the  conversation  was  interrupted  by  callers, 
and  not  resumed  again  for  many  weeks.  The  domestic 
tide  flowed  and  ebbed  much  as  usual  through  the  autumn. 
Mrs.  Howell  was  apparently  less  disturbed  by  her  losses 
than  the  doctor  had  supposed  she  would  be ;  and  if  not 
more  reconciled  to  her  separation  from  Louise,  she  certain- 
ly said  less  about  it  —  perhaps  because  she  had  found  a 
subject  sufficiently  novel  and  exciting  to  interest  her 
thoughts  and  engross  her  time.  She  was  engaged  in 
getting  up  a  fair  for  the  benefit  of  the  Orphans'  Home.  It 


GOING    ABROAD.  249 

was  an  enterprise  under  the  especial  patronage  of  Mrs. 
Metcatf,  and  therefore  a  fashionable  charity,  in  which 
Mrs.  Howell  could  afford  to  show  a  becoming  interest. 
Riding  with  Mrs.  Metcalf  in  a  handsome  carriage  to 
present  the  claims  of  the  orphan  and  awaken  the  sympa- 
thies of  the  wealthy  citizens  of  Hanthrop  was  very  dif- 
ferent from  going  into  garrets,  and  cellars,  and  stifled 
rooms,  and  holding  out  her  hand  to  the  crushed  and 
destitute :  it  did  not  disturb  her  delicately  sensitive  nerves ; 
and  moreover,  as  she  was  to  preside  at  a  table  in  a  large 
hall,  which  would  be  thronged  with  the  curious,  the 
fashionable,  and  the  benevolent  during  the  exhibition  of 
the  fair,  there  would  be  an  opportunity  for  displaying  her 
artistic  tastes  and  her  elegant  wardrobe ;  and  this  would 
be  abundant  compensation  for  the  loss  of  her  time.  In 
fine,  Mrs.  Howell's  interest  in  the  fair  bore  a  marked 
resemblance  to  the  many  sacrifices  she  was  so  ready  to 
boast  of.  And  Diantha,  because  her  ear  was  always  open 
to  the  cry  of  the  needy,  was  active  in  forwarding  the 
interests  of  the  fair. 

The  intimacy  between  Mrs.  Metcalf  and  Diantha  had 
been  strengthened  and  cemented  during  the  summer  at 
Carrhaven,  and  both  the  lady  and  her  son  took  excellent 
care  that  not  one  thread  of  the  golden  web  should  lose  its 
lustre.  Horace  Metcalf's  attentions  were  so  delicate,  his 
frequent  calls  were  so  acceptable  to  both  her  parents,  and 
his  conversation  was  so  refreshing,  that  Diantha  hoped  he 
would  never  ask  her  for  any  more  tender  and  exclusive 
regard  than  now  existed.  Pier  calm,  frank,  and  sisterly 
manner  of  accepting  the  young  man's  friendship,  while  it 
did  not  encourage  him  to  speak  of  love,  was  an  irresistible 
charm;  and  the  beauty,  purity,  and  self-forgetfulness  of  her 
character  attracted  him  to  her  presence,  and  was  insensibly 
drawing  him  up  from  the  idle  enjoyment  of  his  patrimony, 


250  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

and  the  selfish  indulgence  of  his  aesthetic  tastes,  to  an 
active  participation  in  the  duties  of  life. 

Edna  Shreve  came  back  to  Hanthrop  greatly  improved 
by  the  country  fare  and  the  invigorating  influences  of  the 
parsonage,  expressing  in  her  artless  way  such  joy  to  be 
again  in  "her  dear  Dr.  Howell's  home,  and  with  her 
darling  Diantha,"  that  even  Mrs.  Howell's  cold,  calculating 
heart  was  so  moved  as  to  confess  to  the  doctor  that  "  it 
would  be  a  pity  for  such  an  affectionate  and  pretty  child 
to  be  sent  to  an  asylum,  when  with  proper  care  she  might 
become  not  only  ornamental,  but  useful  in  their  home." 

The  fair  proved  brilliantly  successful,  not  only  in  its  ex- 
hibition of  the  cunning  handicraft  and  enterprise  of  its  fair 
pati'ons,  but  in  the  harvest  gathered  from  its  sales  for  the 
Orphans'  Home.  The  novelty  of  Mrs.  Howell's  charitable 
efforts  having  Avorn  off,  and  no  new  excitement  arising  to 
busy  her  brain  and  hands,  she  fell  into  her  old  critical  and 
fault-finding  mood.  "Hanthrop  was  dull;  its  air  did  not 
agree  with  her  constitution ;  Dr.  Lovering  had  said  she 
ought  always  to  winter  in  Cuba,  Florida,  or  Italy." 

Dr.  Howell  listened  to  her  complainings  patiently ;  but 
he  regarded  them  as  the  prognostications  of  an  impending 
storm,  and  there  came  a  day  late  in  November,  when  the 
heavy  clouds  settled  down  upon  his  heart  —  a  day  when 
Mrs.  Howell  came  to  his  office  with  unusual  animation  in 
her  face  and  voice,  and  with  an  open  letter  in  her  hand. 

"You  can  raise  no  objections  now,  doctor,  to  the  friends 
who  offer  me  their  protection  if  I  will  go  with  them  to 
Europe,"  she  said,  with  an  air  of  triumph. 

"What  friends  are  going?"  he  asked. 

"  None  other  than  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  Mintwell  and  his 
charming  family.  They  sail  in  the  St.  Salvador,  on  the 
4th  of  December — just  one  week  from  to-day.  You  re- 
member, I  told  you  that  my  last  letter  from  dear  Lou 


GOING    ABROAD.  251 

spoke  of  her  delicate  health,  and  her  strong  desire  that  I 
might  spend  a  part  of  this  winter  in  Florence  with  her ; 
and  I've  been  so  anxious  ever  since  for  an  opportunity  to 
go  to  her!  This  is  such  a  providential  opening  !  Every- 
thing beckons  me  to  my  fatherless  child,  and  favors  my 
immediate  departure.  I  really  believe  if  you  throw  any 
obstacles  in  my  way  now,  it  will  be  at  the  cost  of  my  life. 
My  sensitive  nerves  won't  endure  many  more  harsh  shocks, 
and  you  know  suspense  and  anxiety  are  worse  for  me  than 
actual  disease." 

"  What  will  be  your  course,  Mary,  if  I  place  before  you, 
calmly  and  plainly,  all  my  reasons  for  objecting  to  your 
joining  the  Goodenows  without  the  protection  of  your 
husband?" 

"  I  shall  assert  my  rights  as  a  woman  and  a  mother,  and 
go  without  your  consent.  I  won't  willingly  quarrel  with 
you,  doctor ;  but  when  I  know  your  reasons  for  not  wishing 
me  to  go,  and  remember  your  prejudice  against  all  my  first 
husband's  friends,  I  cannot  respect  your  judgment,  nor  sub- 
mit to  it.  Lou's  need  of  me,  and  my  own  delicate  health, 
are  sufficient  reasons  why  I  should  be  governed  by  my 
instincts  and  impulses." 

"  Have  you  no  home  claims  and  duties,  Mary?" 

"  Of  course  every  wife  and  mother  has  home  claims ;  but 
no  one  should  be  tied  to  her  own  hearth-stone.  It  will 
cost  me  a  great  sacrifice  of  home  comforts  to  go  abroad ; 
but  is  there  any  gain  or  pleasure  in  this  world  without  its 
corresponding  sacrifice  ?  'Tis  a  duty  I  owe  my  children  to 
avail  myself  of  every  means  in  my  power  for  the  prolong- 
ing of  my  life.  And,  besides,  your  thoughts  are  so  ab- 
sorbed in  your  profession  and  in  your  writings,  and  Di  is 
so  mature,  and  domestic,  and  companionable,  that  you'll 
hardly  miss  me.  I've  still  nearly  four  thousand  dollars' 
worth  of  bank  stock  left ;  and  if  you're  not  generous  enough 


252  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

to  pay  your  wife's  expenses  from  your  own  purse,  I  shall 
fall  back  on  the  remnant  of  my  dear  Arthur's  fortune.  It 
would  gratify  him  to  know  I  used  it  in  seeking  a  little 
healthy  recreation  for  mind  and  body  after  more  than 
twenty  years  of  such  cares  and  sacrifices  as  only  mothers 
can  appreciate.  It  will  be  useless  to  bandy  words,  doctor ; 
my  reason  tells  me  that  a  year  in  Europe  is  my  just  due, 
and  you  may  consider  the  question  settled." 

And  settled  it  was,  without  further  objections  from  Dr. 
Howell.  He  had  good  reasons  for  allowing  her  to  use  "  the 
remnant  of  her  fortune  ;  "  but  he  made  every  possible  ar- 
rangement for  her  comfort,  went  with  her  to  New  York, 
and  parted  with  her  on  the  St.  Salvador  with  many 
misgivings. 


THB   PARDON.  253 


CHAPTER   XXVII. 

THE      PAKDON. 

"  For  still  we  deem 

That  every  keenest  pain  and  carking  care, 
Like  the  sharp  winds  of  the  autumnal  air, 
But  loosen  tender  buds  to  earth  that  cling, 
And  ripen  the  ear  for  Heaven's  great  harvesting." 

"WE  have  news  from  Stephen,  father,"  said  Diantha,  as 
soon  as  she  had  greeted  her  father  on  his  return  from  New 
York,  and  had  looked  in  his  face  long  enough  to  see  that 
he  had  brought  back  no  serious  trouble.  "And  such 
pleasant  news,  too !  The  letter  came  yesterday,  and  was 
directed  to  you ;  but  I  was  so  impatient  to  hear  from  Ste- 
phen, I  ventured  to  open  it.  Will  you  read  it  now?" 

"Tell  me  what  it  contains,  Daisy,  while  I  enjoy  the  lux- 
ury of  looking  at  you,  and  hearing  your  voice,  and  feeling 
at  home." 

Diantha  came  to  her  father's  side,  and  touched  his  fore- 
head with  her  lips ;  and  to  him  her  kiss  was  an  eloquent 
pledge  that,  so  far  as  her  loving  watchfulness  could  make 
it,  his  home  should  be  a  haven  of  rest  and  peace. 

"  Stephen  writes  in  the  best  of  spirits ;  says  he  is  per- 
fectly well,  and  his  ankle  is  as  good  as  new.  He  is  ex- 
travagant in  his  description  of  the  voyage.  They  encoun- 
tered but  one  storm  worthy  of  recording;  and  though  the 
ship  was  in  peril  for  a  few  hours,  Stephen  says  he  would 
gladly  meet  it  again,  for  the  sake  of  witnessing  the  majesty 


254  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

and  sublimity  of  the  scene.  He  thinks  he  was  born  for  a 
sailor,  and  says  you  must  secure  him  a  situation  in  the 
navy." 

"  What !  a  new  caprice  ?  "  asked  the  doctor.  "  I  wish  he 
had  more  of  your  stability  and  gravity." 

«  He  is  two  years  younger  than  I  am." 

"Yes;  I  ought  not  to  expect  steady  purpose  and  wisdom 
in  a  lad  who  is  hardly  nineteen ;  there  is  much  to  be  grate- 
ful for  both  in  his  intellect  and  heart." 

"He  had  been  in  Florence  only  a  few  hours  when  he 
wrote ;  but  he  had  lingered  near  the  Casa  Guidi  windows, 
hoping  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  Mrs.  Browning,  and  had  for- 
gotten his  dinner  in  a  picture-gallery.  He  is  enthusiastic 
over  Florence,  said  he  should  visit  Naples,  and  Venice,  and 
Rome  before  the  Aurora  would  be  ready  for  her  return 
voyage." 

"  What  a  treat  for  Stephen !  With  his  fondness  for 
poetry  and  the  fine  arts,  it  will  be  a  mine  of  wealth." 

"And  by  the  way,  father,  Stephen  has  sent  us  a  speci- 
men of  his  rhyming,  entitled  'Sunrise  on  the  Ocean.'" 

"Dr.  Howell  laughed,  and  begged  she  would  not  ask 
him  to  read  it  until  he  was  quite  recovered  from  the  fa- 
tigues of  the  journey. 

"I've  never  known  a  sophomore  yet  who  didn't  make 
rhymes ;  but  I  scarcely  remember  one  who  blossomed  into 
a  poet.  What  does  he  say  of  Captain  Asbmead?" 

"I  cannot  remember  half  the  fine  things.  One  would 
infer  from  Stephen's  account  that  his  captain  has  the  great- 
est fund  of  knowledge,  and  wit,  and  good  humor  that  ever 
fell  to  the  lot  of  one  mortal.  He  seems  to  have  rejuarka- 
ble  power  over  Stephen,  who  says  he  has  never  had  so  great 
a  reverence  for  any  man,  save  his  father." 

"I  was  fortunate  in  securing  such  a  berth  for  Stephen; 
it  will  be  of  more  service  to  him  than  a  year's  close  appli- 


THE    PAKDON.  AOO 

cation  to  study ;  and  I  pray  God  Captain  Ashmead's  influ- 
ence may  bring  him  out  of  the  clouds  of  speculative  thought. 
Does  he  say  when  we  may  look  for  the  Aurora?" 

"She  will  be  due  in  New  York  about  the  middle  of 
February ;  and  Stephen  thinks  by  that  time  he  shall  be 
ready  for  hard  study,  or  for  any  work  you  may  think  best 
for  him." 

The  doctor  seemed  lost  in  thought  for  a  few  minutes; 
but  the  entrance  of  Edna,  and  the  announcement  of  din- 
ner, roused  him ;  and  during  the  meal  he  gave  his  daugh- 
ter a  description  of  the  few  pleasures  he  had  treated  him- 
self to  in  New  York,  which  consisted  simply  of  visits  to 
picture-galleries,  bookstores,  infirmaries,  and  hospitals. 

Dr.  Howell's  new  sorrow  and  disappointment  were  not 
permitted  to  embitter  his  life  after  the  sailing  of  the  St. 
Salvador.  His  generous,  forbearing  heart  made  every  pos- 
sible excuse  for  his  wife's  selfishness,  and  the  gossips  of 
Hanthrop  found  nothing  in  Mrs.  Howell's  sudden  departure 
to  make  capital  of.  "  If  her  own  and  her  daughter's  health 
made  a  winter  in  Italy  advisable,  she  was  justified  in  leav- 
ing her  home  and  family,"  they  said ;  and  there  the  subject 
was  dropped. 

Work,  stern  and  uncompromising,  filled  the  doctor's 
days;  and  if  it  did  not  satisfy  his  human  needs,  his 
Christian  faith  and  charity  were  to  him  such  deep  wells 
of  peace,  that  hungry  cravings  for  the  tender  love  and 
sympathy  of  his  wife  rarely  disturbed  his  spirit.  There 
was  always  a  healthy  stimulus  for  him  in  his  professional 
duties,  and  an  inspiration  in  the  use  of  his  pen,  which 
brought  forgetfulness  of  care.  There  were  relaxation  and 
refreshing  for  him  in  the  home  which  his  daughter's  thought- 
ful love  made  attractive,  a  balm  in  her  reading,  singing, 
and  conversation,  that  was  compensation  for  many  griefs 
and  wants.  And  Edna  was  growing  up  as  fair  and  sweet 


255  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

a  maiden  as  ever  blessed  a  man's  hearth-stone.  Imitating 
Diantha  in  all  things,  she  studied  the  doctor's  tastes  and 
wishes,  and  in  her  artless  way  was  like  a  spring-time  per- 
fume in  his  house. 

The  horrors  of  the  terrible  storm,  and  the  wreck  that 
left  the  child  of  thirteen  desolate,  and  the  long  illness  that 
followed,  had  given  her  a  maturity  which  many  quiet  years 
guarded  with  parental  love  could  not  have  bequeathed; 
and  grateful  love  for  the  friends  who  had  sheltered  and 
noui'ished  her  quickened  her  perceptions,  and  instinctively 
taught  her  what  returns  to  make  for  their  generous  care. 
The  Christmas  holidtjrs  were  approaching;  and  lest  the 
anniversary  of  the  Stella's  wreck  should  rouse  Edna's  grief, 
Diantha  devised  many  little  things  to  interest  her  pupil's 
thoughts.  She  took  her  to  the  bare  homes,  where  affliction 
and  poverty  were  abiding  guests,  and  taught  her  to  fashion 
with  her  own  hands  such  garments  as  the  necessities  of 
these  homes  demanded.  Mrs.  Jenks  declared  to  Diantha,  — 

"  That  young  girl's  reading  is  wonderful,  and  gives  my 
poor,  rheumatic  man  a  sight  of  comfort.  Tom  and  Fred 
will  do  e'enamost  anything  when  she  promises  to  tell  them 
about  Smyrna,  and  the  wreck,  and  the  sailors  who  were  so 
kind  to  her  mamma  and  Nathan ;  and  once,  when  she  sang 
us  a  hymn,  we  all  cried ;  and  tears  don't  come  easy  to  poor 
folks'  eyes,  Miss  Howell.  I  sometimes  think  'tis  because 
we  get  so  used  to  all  sorts  of  disagreeable  things  that 
there's  no  softness  left  in  our  hearts,  and  we  just  dry  up  and 
harden." 

"  God's  discipline,  whether  it  be  adversity  or  prosperity, 
should  never  harden  us,  Mrs.  Jenks.  Don't  you  sometimes 
permit  little  troubles  to  overshadow  great  mercies?"  asked 
Diantha,  as  she  sat  for  an  hour  by  the  overworked  moth- 
er's side,  plying  her  needle  swiftly  and  skilfully  upon  a 
garment  which  Mrs.  Jenks  had  promised  to  a  wealthy  lady 


THE    PARDON.  257 

on  that  day,  and  which,  but  for  Diantha's  aid,  must  have 
remained  unfinished. 

"Well,  maybe  I  do  ;  but  I  reckon  as  how  the  greatest 
mercy  as  has  come  to  us  for  many  a  day  is  the  friendship 
of  your  father  and  yourself;  and  I  never  let  any  trouble 
come  between  me  and  my  remembrance  of  what  you've 
done  for  us.  No  matter  how  tired  I  am,  I  go  down  on  my 
knees  every  night  to  pray  for  you." 

"I  hope,  by  so  doing,  your  own  heart  is  strengthened 
and  comforted.  I  shall  certainly  be  encouraged  in  my 
work  by  remembering  that  you  are  praying  for  me." 

"  O,  miss,  the  prayers  of  such  a  poor  sinner  as  I  am 
can  be  of  no  use  to  one  like  you.  I've  often  wondered 
how  you  could  know  so  much  about  poor  people's  wants, 
and  how  to  help  them.  Bessie  and  Mary  are  like  two 
different  girls  since  you  begun  to  visit  us ;  and  they'd 
work  their  hands  off  for  the  sake  of  doing  you  or  Miss 
Edna  a  good  turn." 

"  The  time  may  come  when  they  can  be  as  helpful  to 
others  as  you  think  I've  been  to  them.  There  is  scarcely 
any  one  so  weak,  or  so  poor,  or  so  unlearned,  but  there  is 
work  waiting  for  him  to  do." 

Edna  was  no  stranger  in  the  poor  room  that  sheltered 
Martha  and  Sylvia  Keith ;  her  young  eyes  often  did  ser- 
vice for  their  dim  ones,  and  her  sweet  voice  made  the 
precious  book  "  so  much  plainer ; "  so  they  assured  Di- 
antha. 

"  We  were  never  handy  at  reading,"  Sylvia  said.  "The 
long  words  always  puzzled  us ;  and  since  our  eyes  are  fail- 
ing, we  can't  make  out  the  meaning  as  well  as  we  used ; 
but  Edna  can  make  it  as  clear  as  you  or  Elder  Dinsmore 
can.  And  the  dear  lamb  brought  us  only  yesterday  a  half 
pound  of  tea,  and  a  nice  parcel  of  white  sugar;  and  she 
said  the  money  that  she  paid  for  them  was  her  own.  I  tell 
17 


258  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

Martha  the  child  is  growing  to  be  as  like  you  as  one  Scotch 
rose  is  like  another." 

Mr.  Pomeroy's  family,  accompanied  by  Mrs.  Atwood  and 
her  son,  were  to  sail  for  California  in  the  Golden  Gate, 
on  the  1st  of  January ;  and  Diantha  and  Edna  busied 
themselves  in  helping  Mrs.  Atwood  prepare  for  her  long 
journey. 

Lewis  Atwood's  pardon  had  not  been  obtained  without 
the  exertion  of  all  Dr.  Howell's  personal  influence ;  and 
probably  no  man  in  Hanthrop  carried  a  greater  moral  force 
than  did  our  good  physician.  He  was  not  known  as  a 
radical  or  an  enthusiast ;  neither  was  he  dogmatically  per- 
sistent in  bringing  forward,  at  all  times  and  seasons,  some 
great  philanthropical  measure.  He  was  as  far  removed 
from  an  egotistical  reformer  as  was  the  good  Samaritan 
from  the  priest  and  Levite.  The  charities  that  interested 
him  were  not  heralded  with  sounding  brass  or  upon  tin- 
kling cymbals,  but  were  presented  in  a  plain,  practical, 
unostentatious  way,  that  carried  conviction  of  their  worthi- 
ness to  all  who  listened.  Wherever  the  crushed,  fallen, 
and  hopeless  could  be  taught  to  raise  themselves  from  the 
mire  of  vice ;  wherever  human  suffering  could  be  allevi- 
ated; wherever  the  oppressed  and  the  needy  called  for 
succor,  —  there  Dr.  Howell's  moral  and  religious  influence 
worked  like  leaven. 

"  I  more  than  half  believe  young  Atwood  should  serve 
out  his  full  sentence,"  remarked  his  excellency,  the  gov- 
ernor, as  he  handed  the  official  pardon  to  Dr.  Ho  well ;  "  but 
as  there  are  some  extenuating  circumstances  in  the  pris- 
oner's favor,  besides  his  youth,  and  as  the  warden,  chap- 
lain, and  prison  inspectors  petition  that  Atwood  may  be 
the  recipient  of  the  state's  favor  this  year,  I  have  set  aside 
my  own  convictions." 


THE    PARDON.  259 

"  I  think  if  you  could  have  seen  as  ranch  of  the  young 
man  as  I  have  during  the  past  year,  you  would  thank  God 
for  your  official  prerogatives.  He  has  never  received  a 
hint  that  it  was  possible  for  his  term  of  punishment  to  be 
shortened  ;  and  yet  he  has  shown  as  much  deference,  docil- 
ity, penitence,  and  steadiness  as  if  the  length  of  his  incar- 
ceration depended  upon  a  manifestation  of  these  traits 
rather  than  upon  the  sentence  of  his  judge." 

"'Tis  remarkable  for  a  man  who  has  seen  as  much  of 
the  world  as  you  have,  doctor,  to  retain  so  much  faith  in 
human  nature." 

"  Perhaps  so ;  but  I've  never  yet  met  a  man  so  degraded, 
but  a  spark  of  some  better  life  seemed  waiting  beneath 
the  crust  of  sin  for  the  revivifying  touch  of  a  friendly 
word  or  a  helping  hand.  Years  have  given  me  a  broader 
charity  for  those  whom  temptation  has  conquered,  and  a 
stronger  reverence  for  those  who  have  come  off  victors  in 

O 

the  strife.  Allow  me  to  thank  your  excellency,  on  behalf 
of  the  prisoner  and  his  mother,  for  the  clemency  you  have 
shown." 

"I  deserve  no  thanks;  they  are  wholly  indebted  to  your 
zealous  perseverance  for  his  pardon." 

Lewis  was  told  of  his  great  good  fortune  on  Christmas 
morning,  the  doctor  and  his  mother  only  being  present 
while  the  warden  read  the  official  document ;  and,  after  a 
few  words  of  congratulation,  he  explained  to  the  young 
man  what  untiring  zeal  Dr.  Howell  and  the  prison  officers 
had  used  in  obtaining  his  release,  the  reasons  for  their 
efforts,  and  the  utter  hopelessness  of  obtaining  a  pardon 
the  second  time,  should  the  just  retribution  of  crime  again 
overtake  him. 

Familiar  as  were  both  the  gentlemen  with  all  phases  of 
human  suffering,  grief,  and  joy,  they  were  hardly  prepared 


260  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

for  a  scene  so  pathetic  as  that  which  followed  the  warden's 
announcement.  Kneeling  at  his  mother's  feet,  burying  his 
face  in  her  lap,  for  a  few  minutes  convulsed  sobs  choked' 
his  utterance.  Mrs.  Atwood's  tears  fell  hot  and  thick 
upon  her  son's  hair,  and  her  trembling  hands  clasped  his ; 
the  delicate  woman  proved  stronger  now  than  he  whose 
crime  and  punishment  had  nearly  sapped  the  fountains  of 
her  life ;  but  for  many  months  she  had  been  buoyed  with 
the  hope  of  his  pardon,  while  to  him  it  was  an  unexpected 
boon. 

The  mother  was  the  first  to  speak. 

"  My  dear  boy,  calm  yourself;  you  have  only  heard  half 
the  good  news." 

"  O,  mother,  if  I  ever  wound  or  disappoint  you  again, 
may  a  worse  punishment  —  " 

"Hush,  Lewis!  I  rely- on  your  past  bitter  experience, 
your  repentance,  and  the  restraining  power  of  God's  love, 
as  your  safeguards  for  the  future.  Rise  now,  and  thank 
Dr.  Howell  for  all  he  has  done." 

The  young  man  rose,  held  out  his  hand,  for  the  first 
time  voluntarily,  towards  his  benefactor,  but  words  again 
failed  him. 

"  Those  of  us  who  have  been  at  work  for  you,  Lewis, 
don't  want  thanks ;  we  only  want  your  future  life  should 
show  iis  our  labor  has  not  been  in  vain.  Your  mother 
will  tell  you  the  remainder  of  the  good  news." 

"  I  want  to  hear  nothing  better  than  that  you  and 
those  who  have  known  me  during  the  last  year  can 
trust  me." 

"You  need  no  other  assurance  of  our  confidence  than 
what  is  contained  in  that  official  document.  We  should 
have  made  no  efforts  to  obtain  it,  had  you  continued  to 
manifest  the  same  spirit  that  governed  your  actions  during 


THE    PARDON.  261 

the  first  two  months  of  your  imprisonment.  Come  with 
your  mother,  and  dine  with  us  at  four  o'clock,  and  then 
you  can  tell  me  how  you  like  our  plans  for  your  future." 

Neither  Lewis  nor  his  mother  attempted  further  ex- 
pression of  gratitude  in  words;  but  there  was  that  about 
the  young  man's  face  and  tearful  eyes  which  gave  a 
stronger  testimony  of  his  thankfulness  than  mere  words 
could  give  —  a  something  which  was  to  the  warden  and 
the  doctor  a  pledge  for  the  future,  and  an  assurance  that 
their  zealous  efforts  to  obtain  his  pardon  had  not  been 
unworthily  bestowed. 

Lewis  Atwood's  appearance  in  Dr.  Howell's  parlor  was 
a  marked  contrast  to  what  it  was  when  he  was  first  intro- 
duced to  our  readers :  then,  with  the  mark  of  his  crime 
and  punishment  branded  on  his  face,  sullen  defiance  and 
hardness  in  his  tones  and  in  his  eyes,  none  but  the  most 
sanguine  could  have  looked  forward  to  such  a  complete 
transformation.  Yv'holesome  exercise  had  developed  a 
line  physique;  penitence  and  humility  had  washed  the 
stains  of  guilt  from  his  face,  while  hope  lighted  up  the 
features  that  one  year  ago  were  so  clouded  with  despair, 
moroseness,  and  crime.  His  hours  of  study  had  not 
passed  without  leaving  their  footprints  on  his  face ;  while 
the  influence  of  the  noble-hearted  warden,  the  faithful 
chaplain,  the  accomplished  professor,  who  had  taught 
Lewis  civil  engineering,  and  Dr.  Howell,  the  Christian 
philanthropist,  added  to  the  tender  watchfulness  and  self- 
sacrificing  devotion  of  his  mother,  and  the  interest  and 
confidence  of  Diantha,  had  more  than  counteracted  the 
pestilential  breath  of  prison  life  ;  they  had  given  him  new 
aspirations,  new  motives,  and  shown  him  the  possibility  of 
making  his  old  life  the  stepping-stone  to  a  future  which 
should  be  crowned  with  honest  endeavor,  and  deeds  that 


262  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

might  be  bound  in  God's  sheaves.  And  Dr.  Ho  well,  not- 
ing the  calm  trustfulness  of  Mrs.  Atwood,  and  her  son's 
manly  courage,  asked  no  other  reward  for  his  labor;  while 
Diantha,  with  a  full  heart,  sang,  — 

"  Make  us  glad  according  to  the  days  wherein  Thou  hast  afflicted 
us,  and  the  years  wherein  we  have  seen  evil." 

"  And  let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  our  God  be  upon  us ;  and  estab- 
lish Thou  the  work  of  our  hands  upon  us ;  yea,  the  work  of  our  hands 
establish  Thou  it." 


FOREIGN    AND    HOME    ITEMS.  263 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

FOREIGN     AND      HOME     ITEMS. 

"  And  now  what  rests  but  that  we  spend  the  time 
With  stately  triumphs,  mirthful  comic  shows, 
Such  as  befit  the  pleasure  of  the  court  ?  " 

SHAKESPEAEE. 

"The  fruit  of  the  righteous  is  a  tree  of  life;  and  he  that  winneth  souls  is 
wise." 

PERHAPS,  neither  the  Golden  Gate  nor  any  other  brave 
ship  ever  bore  to  a  new  land  of  hope  and  promise  two 
persons  more  truly  and  humbly  grateful  than  were  Mrs. 
Atwood  and  her  son  Lewis.  The  mother's  rejoicing  did  not 
overflow  in  words ;  it  was  tempered  by  the  remembrance 
of  those  depths  of  grief  and  despair  from  which  she  had  so 
recently  risen ;  and  though  her  faith  in  Lewis's  regeneration 
was  unclouded,  yet  the  future  rarely  reveals  itself  in  bril- 
liant colors  to  one  who  has  lived  to  see  the  wreck  of  so 
many  hopes. 

The  small  party  of  emigrants  were  waiting  for  the  train 
which  would  take  them  to  New  York,  from  whence  sailed 
the  Golden  Gate ;  and  Dr.  Howell  and  Diantha,  not  satis- 
fied with  their  mission  of  love,  which  had  wrought  such  a 
marvellous  transformation  in  the  mother  and  son,  were 
standing  near  to  sustain  and  encourage  them  as  long  as 
possible.  It  was  a  picture  full  of  pathos  to  see  the  confi- 
dence with  which  the  pale,  worn,  but  peaceful  face  of  Mrs. 
Atwood  was  turned  towards  the  more  hopeful  one  of  the 


264  DR.  HCHVELL'S  FAMILY. 

strong  figure  on  which  she  leaned  — a  picture  to  moisten 
the  eyes  of  all  who  knew  what  agony  she  had  suffered  be- 
cause of  this  son's  weakness  and  crime,  and  with  what 
utter  self-forgetfulness  she  had  clung  to  him  in  his  disgrace, 
softening  his  punishment  with  her  forgiving,  uncomplain- 
ing love,  and  trusting  him  now  as  completely  as  if  her 
hair  had  not  been  frosted  before  its  time  by  grief  for  his 
crimes. 

"  We  can  never  make  any  return  in  deeds  for  what  you 
and  Dr.  Howell  have  done  for  us,"  Mrs.  Atwood  said,  as 
she  held  Diantha's  hands  in  a  last  embrace;  "but  my  life 
shall  be  a  constant  breathing  prayer  for  your  success.  You 
have  taught  me  how  to  forget  my  own  sorrows  in  helping 
bear  the  burdens  of  others,  and  you  have  shown  Lewis  that 
a  great  crime  need  not  blight  a  whole  life.  Your  help  and 
your  confidence  have  brought  to  us  a  quiet  peace  and  rest, 
which  I  supposed  were  forever  lost;  and  your  —  " 

"  Don't  talk  about  it,"  said  Diantha,  kissing  away  the 
tears  that  filled  her  eyes  and  choked  her  utterance ;  "  we 
have  only  tried  to  do  right,  and  we  ask  no  other  reward 
than  seeing  Lewis  in  his  present  state.  You  must  write  or 
come  to  us,  if  any  new  trouble  arises;  your  relationship  to 
Edna  will  keep  alive  our  interest  in  you  and  Lewis,  even 
if  you  had  no  other  claims  upon  us.  Have  you  any  desire 
or  advice  for  your  little  cousin  that  you  haven't  ex- 
pressed ?  " 

"I  can  trust  her  to  you  without  one  misgiving;  but  I 
have  wanted  to  ask  your  father  to  allow  us  to  assist  in 
educating  Edna,  if  the  time  ever  comes  when  Lewis  and  I 
can  earn  more  than  enough  for  our  own  needs." 

"Father  will  not  refuse  your  assistance,  if  it  will  be  a 
pleasure  to  you  to  help  support  your  cousin  ;  but  you  know 
he  regards  Edna  as  a  daughter,  and  is  grateful  for  the 
privilege  of  supplying  her  wants." 


FOREIGN    AND    HOME    ITEMS.  265 

It  was  not  an  hour  for  many  words,  and  with  a  fervent 
hand-clasp  the  doctor  uttered  his  farewell  blessing,  which 
fell  upon  the  hearts  of  both  mother  and  son  like  a  heavenly 
benediction.  And  while  the  good  ship  Golden  Gate  is 
speeding  towards  the  Pacific  coast,  freighted  with  so  many 
new-born  hopes  and  resolves,  and  followed  by  so  many 
prayers,  we  will  take  a  bird's-eye  view  of  the  doctor's  wife 
in  Paris. 

"  This  is  living !  The  dream  of  my  youth  is  realized  ! 
One  week  in  this  most  charming  and  interesting  of  all 
cities  is  worth  a  year  of  existence  in  Hanthrop,"  wrote 
Mrs.  Howell.  "  It  seems  as  if  I  were  breathing  my  native 
air,  and  had  suddenly  come  into  possession  of  a  long-lost 
birthright.  The  novelties  and  the  refined  pleasures  which 
meet  me  everywhere  are  such  a  tonic  to  my  spirits,  such  a 
diversion  to  my  thoughts,  that  I  already  feel  my  intellect 
expanded,  and  my  entire  nature  rejuvenated." 

The  uplifting  of  the  doctor's  heavy  brows,  and  the  smile 
that  crept  into  his  eyes  and  lurked  around  his  mouth,  as 
he  read  aloud  extracts  from  his  wife's  letter,  were  piquant 
annotations  to  one  who  understood  his  moods. 

"  Ralph's  family,  the  Mint  wells,  Arthur,  Louise,  and 
myself  have  pleasant  rooms,  opening  into  an  elegantly- 
furnished  saloon,  where  we  can  meet  and  spend  as  many 
hours  in  each  other's  society  as  we  choose.  There  are  a 
great  many  Americans  in  Paris  this  winter,  and  our  saloon 
is  the  popular  resort  of  distinguished  statesmen,  scholars, 
and,  in  fact,  of  all  who  are  so  fortunate  as  to  obtain  an  intro- 
duction to  the  family;  but,  connected  as  we  are  with  the 
American  Embassy,  only  people  of  distinction  and  wealth 
dare  seek  an  acquaintance.  My  dear  Lou  is  a  belle  in  just 
the  kind  of  society  she  was  born  to  ornament.  I  was  sur- 
prised to  find  her  looking  handsomer  than  ever,  and  in 
excellent  health,  too,  as  she  had  written  rue  that  her  lungs 


266  DB.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

were  sensitive,  and  she  had  been  advised  to  winter  in  Flor- 
ence ;  though  why  one  should  need  ever  to  leave  Paris, 
where  the  Christmas  holidays  were  as  soft  and  sunny  as 
October  in  Hanthrop,  I  can't  possibly  conceive;  but  the 
dear  child  had  a  stubborn  influenza  in  the  autumn,  and  I 
suppose  her  desire  to  see  me,  and  to  emancipate  me  from 
the  narrow  grooves  of  my  stale  life,  caused  her  to  exagger- 
ate its  symptoms ;  and  knowing  so  well  what  a  peculiarly 
delicate  constitution  she  had  inherited,  my  own  fears  were 
easily  roused." 

The  doctor  paused  in  his  reading,  and  indulged  in  one 
of  those  prolonged  and  significant  whistles  which  needed 
no  interpretation  in  words. 

"Does  mamma  say  anything  about  her  own  health?" 
asked  Diantha. 

The  doctor,  for  reply,  read  another  extract  aloud :  — 

"  The  climate  of  Paris  seems  to  suit  me  exactly ;  I  can 
spend  a  whole  day  in  riding  and  visiting  art  galleries  with- 
out feeling  as  much  fatigue  as  I  would  in  sitting  through 
one  of  Mr.  Dinsmore's  shortest  sermons ;  and  then,  after  a 
day  spent  in  sight-seeing,  I  can  dress  and  go  to  the  opei-a, 
or  a  reception,  and  never  once  think  of  fatigue!  It  is 
astonishing  how  the  voyage,  change  of  air,  and  new  pleas- 
ures have  renovated  my  system  and  given  tone  to  my  life ! " 

"Really  a  marvel!"  the  doctor  exclaimed,  in  a  sarcastic 
voice,  which  his  forgiving  and  generous  nature  at  once 
checked ;  and  he  added,  "  Poor  Mary !  her  life  has  been 
very  unsatisfactory,  because  of  her  overweening  ambition. 
It  might  have  been  better  for  her  if  I  had  never  crossed 
her  path ;  and  yet,  God  knows,  I  have  loved  her  truly  and 
honestly,  and  have  tried  to  make  her  happy.  We'll  hope 
and  pray  this  year  of  pleasure  and  indulgence  won't  make 
her  home  more  distasteful  to  her  than  it  has  been  ever 
since  Louise  was  old  enough  to  point  out  causes  for  griev- 
ance and  discontent." 


FOREIGN    AND    HOME    ITEMS.  267 

Diantha  saw  that  her  father  was  pained  by  the  tone  of 
this  first  letter  from  Paris,  and  she  saw,  too,  he  was  grieved 
and  humiliated  to  admit,  even  negatively,  that  his  wife  had 
no  enjoyment  in  home  duties.  She  knew  his  freshly- 
wounded  heart  could  not  be  soothed  with  words,  and  she 
only  lifted  tenderly  the  locks  of  gray  hair  from  his  broad 
forehead,  touching  it  with  lips  that  had  a  world  of  sympathy 
in  their  gentle  caress. 

"  Will  mamma  spend  the  winter  in  Paris  ?  "  she  present- 
ly asked ;  and  the  doctor,  referring  again  to  his  open  letter, 
read, — 

"  I  should  never  weary  of  this  delightful  city,  with  its 
magnificent  public  buildings  and  squares,  its  constantly 
playing  fountains,  and  its  immense  galleries  of  fine  arts.  I 
could  sit  all  day  and  look  at  the  crowds  of  people  who 
pass  our  hotel ;  and  I  should  never  lose  my  relish  for  such 
society  as  I  meet  here!  And  such  music!  such  novelties! 
As  dear  Lou  says,  'Paris  contains  the  concentrated  essence 
of  all  that  is  elegant,  elevating,  and  refining.'  But  as  every- 
body sees  Italy  while  abroad,  and  as  the  Mintwells  are 
going  to  Rome  before  Lent,  Lou  and  I  have  decided  to 
accompany  them.  Ralph  has  business  which  will  keep 
him  in  Paris  all  winter ;  but  he  is  going  to  spend  the  sum- 
mer with  his  family  in  Baden-Baden  ;  we  shall  join  them, 
there  for  a  few  weeks,  and  of  course  shall  visit  the  prin- 
cipal points  of  interest  in  Switzerland  before  returning  to 
Paris." 

The  doctor  folded  his  letter  without  offering  it  to 
Diantha  for  perusal,  and  after  a  short  silence,  when  the 
hunger  of  his  heart  for  that  companionship  which  is  man's 
natural  heritage  was  written  on  his  face,  he  said,  — 

"  I  have  never  told  you,  Daisy,  all  my  causes  for  dis- 
quiet, nor  why  I  have  so  seriously  objected  to  your  moth- 
er's spending  so  much  time  with  her  brother-in-law's 


268  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

family.  I  have  good  reasons  for  believing  Ralph  Good- 
enow  to  be  an  accomplished  gambler,  and  without  doubt 
he  is  retrieving  his  fortunes  at  the  gaming-tables  of  Paris 
this  winter;  and  for  no  more  worthy  or  legitimate  purpose 
will  he  spend  the  summer  in  Baden,  which  you  may  know 
is  the  great  resort  of  speculators  and  gamblers.  Even 
women  play  openly  in  those  gilded  saloons,  and  may  be 
seen  sweeping  their  unlawful  gains  from  the  roulette- 
tables  at  all  hours  of  the  day  and  night. 

"  I  have  no  fears  that  your  mother  will  contract  the  vile 
habit  of  gaming,  even  when  she  sees  fashionably-dressed 
women  engaged  in  it,  because  her  tastes  have  always  been 
too  refined  to  permit  of  an  indulgence  in  gross  pleasures; 
but  while  she  is  associating  with  those  people,  there  will  be, 
unconsciously  to  herself,  a  gradual  lowering  of  her  standard 
of  right,  a  blunting  of  her  moral  perceptions,  and  a  con- 
stantly increasing  thirst  for  novelty  and  excitement.  She 
will  be  induced  to  imitate  the  glitter  and  false  show  of  the 
life  she  sees,  and  I'm  sometimes  afraid  she'll  be  lost  to  all 
quiet,  pure  home  influences  before  her  return." 

"  You  are  a  little  distrustful  of  God's  power  to  keep  her, 
dear  father." 

"No,  Daisy;  but  He  has  not  promised  to  keep  His 
children  when  they  wilfully  thrust  themselves  into  temp- 
tation. We  are  told,  '  Wait  on  the  Lord ;  be  of  good 
courage,  and  He  shall  strengthen  thine  heart:'  surely,  I, 
who  have  been  the  recipient  of  so  many  mercies,  can  wait 
and  trust;  but  I  can't  be  quite  patient  and  reconciled 
when  I  feel  certain  my  wife's  name  must  be  linked  with 
those  of  doubtful  reputation." 

"  You  must  remember,  she  has  the  protection  and  com- 
panionship of  Rev.  Dr.  Mintwell's  family." 

"  That  fact  will  draw  a  veil,  I  trust,  between  her  and 
the  odor  that  must  attach  itself  to-  Ralph  Goodenow's 


FOREIGN    AND    HOME    ITEMS.  269 

name;   but  it  will   not  shield   her  from   the   subtle  and 
degrading  influences  that  surround  her." 

The  doctor  had  rarely  betrayed  so  much  emotion  in  the 
presence  of  his  daughter  as  in  the  present  instance.  Self- 
control  and  calm  dignity  of  manner  were  habitual  to  him, 
and  a  generous  defence  of  his  wife's  most  selfish  acts  had 
hitherto  sprung  spontaneously  to  his  lips.  Diantha  knew 
his  anxieties  and  apprehensions  were  not  the  "baseless 
fabric  of  a  dream,"  and  therefore,  to  lure  his  thoughts 
away  from  his  disquietude,  she  brought  out  her  most  win- 
some powers  of  pleasing;  and  so  well  did  she  succeed  in 
diverting  him  with  music  and  conversation,  that  he  was 
soon  describing  to  her,  with  his  wonted  enthusiasm,  the 
plan  of  an  essay  he  was  preparing  for  publication.  'Tis 
fortunate  for  men,  as  well  as  women,  when  brain-work  holds 
out  to  them  a  refuge  from  the  poverty  and  hunger  of  the 
heart. 

"  I  had  a  long  talk  with  Horace  Metcalf  in  my  office  this 
morning,  Daisy,"  said  the  doctor,  dropping  the  subject  of 
the  essay,  and  looking  at  his  daughter  with  critical  eyes. 
"  He  came  in  to  ask  my  advice  about  preparing  himself 
for  a  profession." 

"  What,  Horace  Metcalf,  the  fastidious,  the  cultivated, 
the  wealthy  lover  of  ease !  Has  he  learned  that  there's 
anything  more  noble  in  life  than  selfish  enjoyment?" 

"  I  think  he  has.  Didn't  he  see  some  exhibitions  of 
patience,  gentleness,  and  self-forgetfulness  in  Carrhaven 
last  summer,  which  might  teach  a  young  man  that  there 
were  beauty  and  worth  in  life  aside  from  the  world  of- 
ruusic,  art,  and  books  ? " 

The  doctor's  keen  eyes  were  fastened  on  Diantha's 
face  while  he  spoke ;  but  there  was  no  shrinking  from 
his  gaze,  and  her  color,  always  fitful  and  changing  with 
every  emotion,  was  not  to  be  relied  on  as  evidence  of  any 


270  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

especial  self-consciousness ;  and  when  she  replied  to  her 
father's  question  there  was  no  tremor  in  her  clear,  sweet 
voice. 

"  I  had  no  intention  of  giving  Horace  Metcalf  lessons, 
and  there  were  no  exhibitions  of  what  you  are  pleased  to 
term  self-forgetfulness  made  for  his  benefit;  but  if  he  has 
learned  -that  active  usefulness  can  yield  a  higher  enjoyment 
than  merely  living  for  the  gratification  of  his  tastes,  I  ?un 
truly  grateful,  and  care  not  how  or  where  he  learned  the 
lesson.  What  profession  will  he  choose  ?  " 

"  He  inclines  to  be  a  physician,  because  his  great  wealth 
will  enable  him  to  give  his  services  to  those  who  cannot 
afford  to  remunerate  him,  and  he  thinks  that  profession 
will  open  to  him  broader  channels  of  usefulness  than  any 
other.  He  has  already  made  some  considerable  prepara- 
tion for  his  work,  by  taking  a  course  of  medical  lectures 
when  he  was  in  Germany,  simply  for  the  intellectual  en- 
joyment and  discipline  ;  and  he  now  proposes  to  read  under 
my  tutelage  for  a  few  months.  I  think  Horace  Metcalfs 
heart,  and  soul,  and  conscience  have  been  regenerated ;  and, 
so  far  as  I  could  gather  from  his  very  modest  history  of 
the  change  in  his  plans  and  aspirations,  your  conversations 
with  him  upon  the  use  of  wealth  and  culture,  and  the 
honor  and  dignity  of  living  so  as  to  elevate  others,  and 
your  high-toned  principle  and  decided  Christian  character, 
have  been  the  means  which  God's  Spirit  has  used  for  his 
awakening." 

Tears  dropped  from  Diantha's  eyes  upon  the  sewing  in 
her  lap ;  but  they  were  only  a  thank-offering  to  the  Power 
which  had  made  her  simple  acts  an  evangel  to  one  soul. 

"He  talked  with  me  also,"  continued  the  doctor,  with  a 
readiness  to  dwell  upon  the  theme  which  his  daughter's 
silence  and  tears  rather  encouraged  than  checked,  "  about 
his  desire  to  have  established  in  Hanthrop  an  academy 


FOREIGX    AND    HOME    ITEMS.  271 

where  young  men  and  women,  who  are  ambitious,  worthy, 
and  destitute  of  means,  can  bo  prepared  for  useful  voca- 
tions without  encumbering  themselves  with  debt;  where 
music,  arts,  sciences,  and  languages  shall  be  taught,  and  the 
student's  choice  of,  and  adaptation  to,  specific  branches 
shall  be  consulted,  without  obliging  him  to  spend  months 
and  years  on  those  sciences  for  which  he  has  no  natural 
aptitude.  He  proposes  to  give  the  old  Bosworth  House 
and  grounds,  which,  perhaps  you  know,  have  recently 
been  bequeathed  to  him,  for  the  use  of  the  academy, 
if  the  state  will  grant  an  appropriation,  and  if  individ- 
uals will  assist  in  endowing  professorships.  I  have  for 
several  years  desired  to  see  an  institution  established  on  a 
similar  basis.  Excellent  as* are  our  public  schools,  they  do 
not  meet  a  certain  want.  Take,  for  example,  Bessie  and 
Mary  Jenks.  Both  these  girls  are  quick  and  intelligent, 
and  might  readily  be  fitted  for  something  that  would  pay 
better  than  housework  or  sewing;  but  they've  not  the 
time  to  take  a  regular  course  in  our  free  schools,  while,  in 
such  an  academy  as  Metcalf  proposes  to  establish,  they 
might  be  taught  book-keeping,  music,  drawing,  or  some 
science  for  which  they  had  an  especial  taste,  and  by  which 
they  might  earn  a  livelihood.  In  fact,  my  profession  has 
brought  me  in  contact  with  hundreds  who  are  sighing  for 
just  such  instruction  as  we  hope  this  liberal  academy  will 
afford." 

"  'Tis  a  grand  and  noble  charity,"  said  Diantha,  with  a 
light  in  her  clear,  brown  eyes,  and  an  earnest  gladness  in 
her  voice,  that  Horace  Metcalf  would  have  regarded  as 
ample  payment  for  the  Bosworth  House,  if  he  had  made  a 
bequest  of  it  simply  to  gain  her  approval. 

"  A  noble  conception,  if  it  can  be  executed,"  answered 
the  doctor ;  "  and  young  Metcalf  means  to  forward  it  with 
all  the  enthusiasm  of  a  soul  just  kindled  into  new  life.  He 


272  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

will  have  the  sympathy  and  cooperation  of  several  old 
families  of  large  wealth  and  influence,  who  are  his  connec- 
tions ;  and  he  is  so  popular  in  society,  that  I  think  his 
benevolent  scheme  will  be  received  with  favor.  I  shall 
assist  him  with  all  the  means,  time,  and  influence  I  can 
command.  If  we  succeed  in  establishing  this  academy, 
perhaps  Captain  Ashmead  may  accept  a  professorship  in 
it.  He  told  me  once  he  was  prepared  to  teach  navigation, 
mathematics,  and  civil  engineering." 

Diantha's  only  answer  shone  in  her  face,  and  was  ex- 
pressed in  the  impulsive  grasping  of  her  father's  hand. 


AT   SEA.  273 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

AT     SEA. 

"  No  more !  a  harp-string's  deep  and  breaking  tone, 

A  last,  low  summer  breeze,  a  far-off  swell, 
A  dying  echo  of  rich  music  gone, 
Breathe  through  those  words,  those  murmurs  of  farewell." 

MBS.  REMANS. 

THE  winter  waned,  and  Stephen  did  not  return.  The 
Aurora  was  detained  in  the  Italian  ports  longer  than  her 
commander  had  anticipated,  because  of  the  difficulty  of  ob- 
taining a  profitable  cargo ;  and  when  this  was  secured,  it 
was  for  Liverpool,  where  an  exchange  was  to  be  made  for 
such  merchandise  as  the  owners  of  the  Aurora  desired  for 
the  New  York  market.  Stephen's  letters  were  colored 
with  his  natural  exuberance,  somewhat  modified  by  an  ex- 
perience which  had  matured  his  intellect  far  more  than  a 
year  of  college  discipline.  The  detention  of  the  Aurora 
had  given  him  an  opportunity  for  becoming  acquainted 
with  several  Italian  cities,  and  for  excursions  into  the 
country,  where  his  quick  eye  noted  the  dress  and  customs 
of  the  peasantry,  and  his  ear  caught  every  inflection  of 
the  musical  language,  as  it  fell  from  the  tongues  of  tho 
natives,  who  live  almost  entirely  in  the  open  air.  In  Flor- 
ence he  had,  through  the  kindness  of  an  American  gentle- 
man who  was  a  friend  of  Dr.  Ilowell,  been  introduced  to 
Mrs.  Browning;  he  had  looked  into  those  eyes,  which 
seemed  deep,  living  wells  of  thought,  and  had  touched  that 
hand  which  controlled  a  pen  of  such  marvellous  power  —  a 
18 


274  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

favor  that,  to  one  of  Stephen's  enthusiastic  temperament, 
would  be  a  life-long  memory  of  gladness.  He  had  visited 
the  houses  where  Dante  and  Michael  Augclo  lived,  and 
had  wrought,  and  left  so  much  to  mould  future  generations, 
which  the  waves  of  time  and  changing  dynasties  had  failed 
to  efface.  Rome,  with  its  ruins,  its  St.  Peter's,  its  pictures, 
statuary,  and  sacred  associations,  exhausted  Stephen's  vo- 
cabulary, and,  as  he  wrote  Diantha, "  he  needed  a  new  lan- 
guage in  which  to  describe  Naples,  with  its  picturesque 
bay,  its  palaces,  churches,  and  public  institutions,  the  awe- 
inspiring  Vesuvius,  and  ruins  of  lava-drowned  cities." 

And  when  the  Aurora  was  ready  for  her  return  voyage, 
Stephen  cast  many  a  loving,  lingering  glance  back  upon 
the  turrets  and  domes  of  Naples,  the  clear  waters  of  the 
bay,  which  mirrored  the  vermeil-dyed  evening  clouds,  and 
the  smoke-wreathed  summit  of  Vesuvius,  to  his  young 
eyes  draped  in  a  veil  of  poetic  thought. 

Even  Captain  Ashmead,  who  was  familiar  with  the  sce- 
nery of  the  Mediterranean,  stood  upon  the  deck  of  the 
Aurora  until  the  sunset  paled,  and  the  spires  of  Naples 
were  lost  in  haze,  apparently  so  filled  with  the  soft,  grace- 
ful beauty  and  harmony  of  the  hour  as  to  be  unmindful  of 
the  canvas  wings  and  favoring  wind  which  were  wafting 
his  ship  over  her  billowy  path. 

And  yet,  though  to  a  casual  observer  Captain  Ashmead's 
thoughts  seemed  far  away  from  the  helm  near  which  he 
stood,  not  a  movement  of  it,  nor  a  flutter  of  the  sails,  was 
lost  upon  his  keenl}r  observant  and  practised  eye,  as  was 
evident  from  the  instructions  which  were  quietly  but 
clearly  given  to  his  subordinates.  Leaving  his  mate  in 
command  of  the  forward  deck,  Captain  Ashmead  went  aft, 
and  joined  Stephen. 

"  This  is  a  rarely  beautiful  night,  even  for  this  southern 
latitude,"  he  said.  "  Could  anything  be  more  favorable  for 


AT    SEA.  275 

the  birth  of  poetic  fancies  than  the  shimmer  of  the  moon- 
light upon  these  waves,  the  orange-scented  land  breezes, 
the  cloudy  crest  of  the  volcano,  and  the  numberless  white- 
winged  ships  that  glide,  phantom-like,  across  the  bay  ?  I 
could  almost  write  a  poem  on  such  a  night.  Of  what  are 
you  thinking,  Stephen  ?  " 

"Not  so  much  of  the  beauty  and  richness  of  the  old  city 
we  are  leaving,  nor  of  the  grace  and  harmony  of  this  moon- 
light evening,  as  of  my  home  in  Hanthrop,  and  the  life 
that  stretches  out  before  me.  I'm  wondering  if  I  shall  dis- 
appoint father  and  Di." 

"  In  what  way  ?  " 

"Well,  they  think  there  is  the  making  of  a  man  in  me, 
and  I'm  afraid  I  shall  never  have  the  perseverance  and 
the  strength  of  will  to  accomplish  what  they  have  a  right 
to  expect.  I'm  unstable,  captain,  and  constantly  crave 
novelty  and  excitement.  Can  I  hope  to  excel  in  any- 
thing?" 

"  Your  very  want  of  confidence  is  a  prophecy  in  your 
favor.  To  know  that  you  lack  steadiness  of  purpose  and 
strength  is  but  the  dawn  of  better  days  for  one  of  your  age 
and  temperament.  Those  traits  of  character  which  you 
are  conscious  of  lacking  can  be  cultivated  and  developed 
by  study;  but  when  a  young  man  is  satisfied  with  his 
growth,  self-assured,  and '  wiser  in  his  own  conceit  than  ten 
men  who  can  render  a  reason,'  I  would  almost  as  soon  at- 
tempt to  turn  the  Gulf  Stream  into  a  new  channel  as  to 
change  his  course.  You  have  energy,  enthusiasm,  and  in- 
tellectual ability ;  and  these  traits,  tempered  and  directed 
by  charity  and  that  wisdom  '  which  cometh  from  above,' 
must  achieve  success  in  almost  any  vocation.  I  predict 
that  your  father  and  sister  will  rejoice  in  the  strength  and 
harvest  of  your  manhood,  as  they  do  now  in  the  promise 
of  your  youth." 


276  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  There  hasn't  been  much  rejoicing  over  me,  captain, 
for  the  last  year.  I've  given  Di  a  world  of  anxiety  with 
my  foggy  philosophy  and  transcendentalism,  my  thirst  for 
something  new,  and  my  lack  of  purpose.  But  thanks  to 
father,  and  Di,  and  yourself,  I  can  see  a  rift  in  the  clouds." 

"  A  man's  soul  must  have  the  anchor  of  a  living,  glowing, 
tangible  faith,  Stephen,  else  he  is  like  a  ship  without  helm, 
rudder,  or  chart ;  he  may  carry  canvas  enough,  but  without 
this  anchor  he  will  drift  as  aimlessly  as  a  balloon." 

"  Ashmead,  may  I  ask  how  long  you've  known  this  an- 
chor of  which  you  speak  so  confidently?" 

"'Tis  just  one  year  ago  to-day  since  a  tenderly  persua- 
sive woman's  voice  sung  in  my  hearing,  "Come  unto  Me, 
all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy-laden,  and  I  will  give  you 
rest.'  I  had  been  for  weeks  blindly  seeking  that  rest ;  but 
the  peculiar  rendering  of  that  passage  was  a  beacon,  a  rev- 
elation, to  me ;  it  made  the  way  as  clear  as  the  path  our 
ship  leaves  in  her  wake.  And  this  evening,  above  the  ves- 
per-chimes, above  the  foreign  jargon,  and  the  confusion  of 
clearing  port,  I  heard  that '  Come  unto  Me ; '  and  the  plead- 
ing pathos  of  the  voice  held  the  pulses  of  my  being  in  as 
sweet  a  thrall  as  when  it  drew  me  into  the  light  one  year 
ago." 

The  friends  sat  for  many  minutes  in  that  silence  which 
is  golden,  when  the  soul  is  freighted  with  sweetly  sacred 
memories,  and  thought  is  too  rich  and  tender  for  speech; 
and  Stephen  wondered  why  Captain  Ashmead,  always  so 
frank  and  communicative,  had  never  referred  to  the  sing- 
ing of  that  passage  before.  "  It  must  have  been  Di's  voice," 
he  thought ;  and  then  many  of  the  captain's  moods  which 
had  puzzled  Stephen  were  suddenly  unveiled ;  the  tender- 
ness and  reverence  with  which  Diantha's  name  had  been 
uttered,  and  the  eager  interest  he  had  manifested  in  Ste- 
phen's letters  from  Hanthrop,  were  no  longer  a  mystery. 


AT   SEA.  277 

Stephen  spoke  at  last,  much  as  if  he  were  thinking 
aloud. 

"  There's  a  wonderful  power  in  Daisy's  singing ;  one  par- 
ticular manifestation  of  it  conies  very  clearly  before  me  now. 
When  we  were  at  Carrhaven  last  summer,  Metcalf  urged  her, 
one  Sabbath  evening,  to  sing  a  passage  from  his  favorite 
opera,  and  he  was  at  once  warmly  seconded  by  his  mother, 
who  is  a  professing  Christian,  and  a  woman  whom  Daisy  also 
loves  and  honors.  I  watched  the  contest  in  her  heart  be- 
tween her  desire  to  please  her  friends,  her  fear  of  a  phari- 
saical  assumption  of  superior  piety,  and  her  unwillingness 
to  desecrate  the  Sabbath  by  singing  what  would  have 
brought  before  us,  by  the  laws  of  association,  all  the  para- 
phernalia of  the  opera-house.  Without  saying  a  word,  she 
went  to  the  piano,  and  sang  that  sweetest  of  all  passages 
from  the  Oratorio  of  the  Messiah,  — 

'  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth.' 

The  purity,  power,  and  tenderness  of  her  voice  were  so  en- 
hanced by  her  earnestness  and  her  manifest  faith  in  this  liv- 
ing Redeemer,  that  we  were  lifted  above  the  summer  even- 
ing, and  could  almost  see  the  angel  rolling  the  stone  from 
the  door  of  the  sepulchre ;  and  if  moist  eyes  are  more  elo- 
quent thanks  than  words,  then  Daisy  received  her  reward. 
We  were  at  Carrhaven  nearly  a  week  after  this,  and  Metcalf 
never  regained  his  confident,  easy,  self-conscious  air  of  su- 
periority. I  believe  if  his  fine  intellect  and  large,  sunny 
nature  are  roused  from  his  indolent  enjoyment  of  wealth 
to  worthy  action,  Daisy's  voice  will  be  the  awakening 
power." 

Captain  Ashmead  made  no  reply,  though  his  face  had 
shown  a  deep  interest  in  the  narration  ;  but  when  he  spoke 
again,  his  thoughts  seemed  far  removed  from  the  singing 
at  Carrhaven. 


278  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  I'm  not  superstitious,  Stephen,  but  I'm  haunted  with 
the  fear  to-night  that  I  shall  never  take  the  Aurora  into 
an  American  port  again.  I've  no  fears  for  the  ship ;  she's 
new  and  seaworthy ;  but  a  prophetic  voice  seems  con- 
stantly whispering  that  my  life-voyage  is  nearly  over." 

"Why,  captain,  this  moonlight  is  too  intense  and  over- 
powering with  its  loveliness,  just  as  the  odor  of  some 
blossoming  trees  oppresses  us  with  too  much  sweetness ; 
and  then,  perhaps,  the  stagnant  life  and  the  decay  of  these 
old  Italian  cities  have  affected  your  spirits.  You  are  one 
of  the  last  men  I  should  ever  suspect  of  indulging  in  fool- 
ish fancies.  You  are  as  strong  and  hearty  as  a  clear  con- 
science and  good  digestion  can  make  a  person,  and  nearly 
as  practical  and  sensible  as  father  and  Daisy  are." 

"  It  may  be  a  foolish  whim,  Stephen,  but  there  can  be 
no  harm  in  my  telling  you  that  a  nervous  fancy,  for  which 
I  can  give  no  substantial  reason,  has  taken  almost  com- 
plete possession  of  my  thoughts ;  in  fact,  ever  since  the 
night  when  I  searched  the  streets  of  Naples  for  poor 
McDonald,  a  slow  poison  has  seemed  to  be  lurking  in  my 
veins.  Now,  I  want  you  to  show  a  brave  courge  worthy 
of  your  father  and  sister,  should  the  Aurora  be  left  with- 
out a  commander. 

"  McDonald,  as  you  know,  is  a  thorough  sailor,  a  strong, 
reliable  man  when  liquor  can  be  kept  from  him  ;  and  as 
you  have  become  familiar  with  the  management  of  the 
ship,  I  shall  trust  her  to  you  and  to  the  mate,  and  shall  re- 
cord my  wishes  in  the  log-book  before  I  sleep.  You've 
Avon  the  love  of  the  sailors  with  your  stories  and  your 
songs,  and  by  showing  an  interest  in  their  work ;  and 
there's  not  a  man  on  board  but  will  obey  your  orders, 
especially  if  you  show  confidence  in  your  own  knowledge 
of  navigation,  and  work  harmoniously  with  McDonald. 
You  see  now  why  I  advised  you  to  make  your  way  to 


AT   SEA.  279 

Paris,  spend  a  few  days  with  your  mother  and  sister,  and 
then  join  the  Aurora  in  Liverpool,  or  return  to  New  York 
in  a  steamer.  Perhaps  I  should  have  given  you  more 
definite  reasons  for  my  advice ;  but  I  had  such  confidence 
in  your  ability  to  take  the  ship  back  to  her  owners  with 
McDonald's  aid,  and  such  a  strong  desire  to  have  you  near 
me,  that  I  did  not  oppose  your  wish  to  return  in  the 
Aurora  as  emphatically  as  I  might  have." 

Captain  Ashmead  spoke  with  evident  reluctance,  and 
with  an  intensity  of  feeling  not  in  keeping  with  his  plain, 
practical,  unadorned  speech,  and  Stephen's  ready  flow  of 
words  was  checked  by  reverence  for  his  friend's  emotion. 

They  parted  for  the  night  without  further  mention  of 
the  theme  that  so  agitated  the  captain,  but  with  a  fervent' 
clasp  of  hands,  which  was  Stephen's  pledge  of  such  assist- 
ance and  support  as  grateful  love  and  courage  could  ren- 
der. Captain  Ashmead  was  on  deck  with  the  first  blush 
of  day,  cheerful  and  hearty.  He  examined  critically  every 
part  of  the  ship's  rigging  and  machinery,  and  looked  after 
the  comfort  of  his  men  with  as  much  apparent  forgetful- 
ness  of  self  as  if  no  heavier  shadows  rested  on  his  heart 
than  the  Aurora  cast  upon  the  sea.  The  wind  was  favor- 
able, and  under  a  full  press  of  canvas  the  good  ship  swept 
out  of  the  Mediterranean,  and  turned  her  prow  towards 
England;  and  meanwhile  her  brave  commander  made  no 
sign,  and  let  fall  no  word,  which  could  remind  Stephen  of 
the  fears  he  had  expressed  on  the  first  evening  of  their 
homeward  passage.  But  on  the  fifth  morning  every  voice 
on  board  the  Aurora  was  hushed  to  a  whisper ;  every  face 
was  clouded  with  anxiety,  and  it  seemed  as  if  each  sail 
drooped  under  the  consciousness  of  an  impending  sorrow. 

Captain  Ashmead  was  alarmingly  ill.  He  had  been 
suddenly  seized  with  congestive  chills  during  the  night, 
followed  with  a  malignant  type  of  fever;  and  Stephen 


280  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

Howell,  the  only  one  on  shipboard  who  knew  anything 
about  the  treatment  of  disease,  remained  by  the  captain's 
couch  during  the  three  days  and  nights  of  his  suffering, 
only  leaving  him  long  enough  to  refresh  himself  with  food, 
and  to  consult  with  McDonald  about  the  management  of 
the  ship.  In  his  delirium  Captain  Ashmead's  thoughts 
floated  back  to  the  Stella's  wreck,  the  Bonsecour  Home, 
and  the  gentle  ministrations  of  Diantha.  Her  name  was 
often  coupled  with  his  mother's,  as  he  pleaded  for  a  cool- 
ing draught,  or  the  singing  of  some  old  tune,  or  the  touch 
of  her  hand  upon  his  throbbing  temples.  In  his  occa- 
sional lucid  intervals  his  attention  was  turned  towards  the 
interests  of  the  Aurora  and  the  welfare  of  his  men.  On 
the  third  day  after  his  attack  the  fever  appeared  to  have 
conquered  the  captain's  powers  of  resistance.  He  had, 
probably,  never  recovered  from  the  storm  that  wrecked 
the  Stella,  and  was  therefore  less  able  to  contend  with 
disease.  He  lay  prostrate  and  exhausted,  perfectly  con- 
scious of  his  condition ;  and  though  speaking  with  great 
difficulty,  he  gave  Stephen  and  McDonald  minute  instruc- 
tions regarding  the  ship's  cargo,  and  requested  each  sailor 
to  be  brought  to  his  couch  for  a  farewell  message  and 
blessing,  and  to  receive  from  his  own  hands  a  token  of 
regard. 

When  left  alone  with  Stephen,  he  asked,  — 

"How  far  from  Liverpool  does  McDonald  make  the 
ship?" 

"Not  more  than  thirty-six  hours,  if  the  wind  continues 
favorable." 

"  I  shall  not  see  the  land  again.  My  life  is  ebbing  with 
this  tide." 

Stephen  could  make  no  reply.  He  had  more  than  once 
seen  the  approach  of  the  last  messenger  to  some  poor  soul, 
when  visiting  with  his  father  the  Bonsecour  Home,  and  he 


AT    SEA.  281 

recognized  the  shadow  that  was  rapidly  creeping  over  his 
friend's  face.  He  held  a  stimulant  to  the  parched  lips,  and 
as  he  bathed  the  calm  forehead,  and  lifted  from  it  the 
damp  masses  of  hair,  tears  fell  from  the  young  man's  eyes 
upon  the  nerveless  hands  of  the  sufferer.  They  roused 
him  for  a  few  minutes  from  the  lethargy  and  faintness 
which  benumbed  his  senses. 

"  This  is  a  hard  trial  for  you,  my  friend ;  but  remember 
your  pi'esence  is  a  solace  to  me  in  this  struggle.  Can  you 
read  the  burial-service  over  my  poor  body  ? " 

"  If  a  clergyman  from  Liverpool  —  "  Stephen  could  not 
finish  the  sentence. 

"  When  the  sea  gives  up  her  dead,  it  will  not  matter 
where  my  body  has  rested.  Tell  your  sister  I  fall  asleep 
with  the  blessed  assurance  that  I  shall  awake  satisfied  in 
Christ's  presence,  and  that  her  hand  and  her  voice  have 
led  me  to  this  sweet  peace  and  rest.  Ask  her  to  wear  the 
pearl  ring  and  cross  which  you  will  find  in  my  sea-chest, 
in  remembrance  of  one  who,  for  the  last  year,  has  craved 
the  privilege  of  protecting  her  with  his  great  love.  Tell 
her  not  to  allow  any  grief  or  regret  for  me  to  sadden  her, 
or  to  come  between  her  and  the  crowning  blessing  of  a 
woman's  life." 

These  sentences  fell  slowly  and  at  intervals  from  the 
captain's  lips,  and  several  times  during  their  utterance  his 
tongue  seemed  no  longer  able  to  obey  the  behest  of  his 
spirit. 

After  a  few  minutes  of  silence,  while  Stephen  held  the 
cold  hand  and  watched  the  failing  breath,  an  exultant 
smile  transfigured  the  wan  face,  and  in  a  clear  voice  he  ex- 
claimed, "  Come  unto  Me  ; "  and  Captain  Ashmead's  earth- 
ly mission  was  accomplished. 

Stephen  Howell,  intelligent  and  susceptible,  could  not 
witness  that  victory  over  death  without  seeking  earnestly 


282  DK.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

the  Infinite  Love  which  had  sustained  his  friend.  And 
while  the  Aurora  was  quarantined  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Mersey,  waiting  permission  to  discharge  her  cargo,  Stephen 
gained  that  knowledge  which  has  been  promised  to  all 
who  seek. 


STEPHEN'S  RETURN.          283 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

STEPHEN'S  RETURN. 

"  I  hold  it  true,  whate'er  befall  — 
I  feel  it  whon  I  sorrow  most; 
'Tis  better  to  have  loved  and  lost, 
Than  never  to  have  loved  at  all." 

TENNYSON. 

STEPHEN  wrote  from  Naples,  just  as  the  Aurora  was 
clearing  port,  that  she  might  be  expected  in  New  York 
the  first  of  March.  Was  there  a  softer  light  in  Diantha's 
eyes,  a  sweeter  cadence  in  her  voice,  and  more  graceful 
buoyancy  in  her  movements  when  the  maples  first  began 
to  blush  under  the  capricious  glances  of  the  March  sun  ? 
Dr.  Howell  thought  so ;  and  though  the  thought  was  ac- 
companied with  a  sigh,  it  did  not  bring  such  regret  as 
when  he  first  learned  that  his  daughter  was  not  as  com- 
pletely his  own  as  his  parental  love  would  have  kept  her. 

Stephen's  hearty  eulogiums  of  Captain  Ashmead  had 
gone  far  towards  reconciling  the  doctor  to  what  he  feared 
was  inevitable.  The  scientific  academy,  which  Horace 
Metcalf's  influence  had  pushed  rapidly  forward,  promised 
permanent  and  congenial  employment  for  the  captain  be- 
fore the  close  of  the  year ;  and  if  his  flower  must  bloom 
beside  another  man's  hearth,  the  doctor  trusted  she  would 
still  be  so  near  him  that  he  could  have  her  cooperation  and 
sympathy  in  his  work,  and  the  perfume  of  her  love  to 
sweeten  his  toil.  And  Dr.  Howell,  never  inclined  to  bor- 
row trouble,  comforted  himself  with  the  assurance  that, 


284  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAAIILY. 

however  confidently  man  might  propose,  God  was  the  dis- 
poser of  human  affairs. 

Diantha,  scarcely  knowing  why  the  March  skies  wore  a 
brighter  hue,  why  the  winds  were  laden  with  aromatic 
odors,  —  forgetting,  in  her  glad  expectancy,  that 

"  Nature  wears  the  color  of  the  spirit,"  — 

came  down  to  the  breakfast-parlor  one  morning  to  find  her 
father  standing  with  a  grave  face,  and  his  eyes  so  riveted 
on  the  letter  he  was  reading,  as  to  appear  unconscious  of 
her  presence  until  her  hand  was  laid  upon  his  arm. 

"Daisy,  why  didn't  you  give  me  more  time?"  he  ex- 
claimed, remembering  only  that  he  had  not  yet  thought 
how  best  to  reveal  the  contents  of  that  letter. 

"More  time,  dear  father?-  We  are  ten  minutes  later 
than  usual  this  morning,  because  I  wanted  to  finish  a  letter 
for  the  early  mail.  You  can  read  your  letters  while  I  pour 
the  coffee.  Is  your  news  so  very  important  ?  "  she  asked ; 
and  then,  observing  the  emotion  in  her  father's  face,  and 
that  rarest  of  all  sights,  tears  in  his  eyes,  she  added 
quickly,  — 

"What  has  happened?  Has  the  Aurora  been  heard 
from?" 

"My  dear  child,  here's  a  letter  from  Stephen,  filled  with 
such  sad  news  for  us  both,  and  yet  containing  so  much  that 
should  lift  our  hearts  above  sorrow,  that  I  hardly  know 
whether  to  rejoice  or  weep." 

Dr.  Howell  looked  at  Diantha's  fading  color  and  eagerly 
questioning  eyes,  and  paused. 

"  Go  on,  father ;  the  Aurora  is  lost ! "  came  with  a  wail- 
ing moan  from  Diantha's  lips. 

"  No,  Daisy,  the  Aurora  was  safely  anchored  at  Liver- 
pool when  Stephen  wrote ;  but  Captain  Ashinead  died  at 
Bea,  scarcely  a  day's  sail  from  port." 


STEPHEN'S    KETURN.  285 

That  was  all  —  only  a  sudden  eclipse  of  her  life's  sun ; 
her  heart  was  too  unquestioning  in  its  love  and  faith  to 
cry  out  or  rebel ;  she  might  bend  beneath  the  storm  for 
an  hour,  but  God  had  sent  it. 

"Shall  I  read  you  Stephen's  letter?"  asked  the  doctor, 
when  he  had  placed  Diantha  on  a  sofa,  had  held  a  stimu- 
lant to  her  pale  lips,  had  chafed  her  cold  hands,  and  lifted 
the  curls  from  her  forehead  with  his  tenderest  caresses, 
conveying  by  look,  and  touch,  and  word,  the  most  delicate 
sympathy. 

"  If  you  please.  Edna  has  come  in.  Can  she  listen  to 
the  reading?" 

"She  may  as  well  learn  it  in  this  way  as  in  any  other;" 
and  Dr.  Howell  drew  the  little  maiden  to  his  side,  and 
clasped  her  with  one  arm  while  he  read :  — 

"  Yesterday  I  closed  the  eyes  of  the  truest,  bravest  man 
I  have  ever  known ;  and  I  pray  God  so  sad  a  service  may 
never  fall  to  my  hands  again.  Captain  Ashmead  died  at 
sea  after  an  illness  of  three  days  —  if  that  may  be  called 
death  which  triumphs  over  the  flesh,  and  ushers  the  spirit 
into  eternal  peace,  and  rest,  and  joy;  and  to-day,  dear 
father,  I  read  above  his  remains  the  burial-service  for  the 
dead,  and  saw  the  waves  part  to  receive  in  their  embrace 
the  body  that  had  clothed  one  of  the  noblest  spirits  ever 
given  to  man."  Edna,  with  a  low  cry  and  sob,  slipped 
from  the  doctors  embrace  and  fled  from  the  room ;  but 
when  Diantha  made  a  languid  movement  to  follow  her 
pupil,  the  doctor  laid  a  restraining  hand  upon  her  arm, 
saying,  — 

"Wait,  Daisy,  until  you've  heard  what  occasion  we 
have  for  rejoicing,  and  Stephen's  own  words  best  por- 
tray it." 

"Now  I  know  the  truth  and  the  power  of  the  assertion, 
that '  when  this  mortal  shall  have  put  on  immortality,  then 


286  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

death  shall  be  swallowed  up  in  victory.'  In  the  presence 
of  the  death  angel,  my  own  soul  stood  before  me  un- 
masked—  my  useless,  selfish,  sinful  life  looked  hateful;' the 
fog  in  which  I  have  been  floating  for  months,  without  chart 
or  compass,  was  scattered  by  rays  from  the  divine  source 
of  truth.  I  felt  that '  if  only  in  this  life  we  have  hope,  we 
are  of  all  men  most  miserable ; '  but  I  have  dared  lay  my 
burden  at  the  feet  of  the  pitying,  loving  Christ ;  have 
dared  hope  for  pardon,  remembering  the  infinitude  of  His 
love  and  mercy ;  have  dared  permit  my  soul  to  reach  for- 
ward into  the  eternal  and  invisible  world  for  strength  to 
elevate  and  dignify  the  pursuits  of  this.  I  cannot  write 
to-day;  my  heart  is  full  of  the  inexpressible  solemnity  and 
majesty  of  my  friend's  death  and  burial :  the  waves  seem 
constantly  chanting  a  requiem.  Our  ship  is  in  sight  of 
harbor,  but  she  will  probably  be  obliged  to  lie  in  quaran- 
tine for  ten  or  twelve  days ;  and  during  that  time  I  shall 
write  to  Captain  Ashmead's  mother  and  sister." 

"  You  see,  Daisy,  our  griefs  and  mercies  are  so  tempered 
and  mingled  that  while  we  must  weep  for  a  lost  friend,  we 
rejoice  in  the  remembrance  that  for  him  '  to  die  was  gain ; ' 
and  for  Stephen's  victory  let  us  thank  God  ; "  and  Dr. 
Howell  knelt  by  his  daughter's  side,  lifting  up  his  voice  in 
such  grateful  thanksgiving  as  we  may  dare  think  angels 
chant  over  one  soul  that  repeuteth. 

Diantha  wept  in  her  father's  arms  until  she  could  look 
steadfastly  into  his  eyes,  and  promise  him  that  her  sorrow 
and  disappointment  should  be  laid  where  they  could  not 
embitter  her  life ;  and  when  he  left  her,  she  remembered 
Edna's  passionate  grief,  and  the  necessity  for  her  to  soothe 
it.  In  comforting  the  child  she  found  her  own  heart  ac- 
cepting the  assurance  that  the  peace  and  joy  which  are 
born  of  grief  are  purer  and  sweeter  for  their  baptism  of 
tears ;  that  the  light  which  still  shone  behind  the  heavy 


STEPHEN'S  EETURN.  287 

cloud  would  gain  a  new  lustre  from  this  temporary  eclipse. 
She  did  not  leave  Edna's  chamber  until  she  could  say, 
"My  soul  trusteth  in  Thee;  in  the  shadow  of  Thy  wings 
will  I  make  my  refuge,  until  these  calamities  be  overpast." 

How  many  tears,  heartaches,  and  withered  hopes  can  be 
bound  up  in  one  short  sentence !  Thousands  may  glance 
carelessly  at  those  three  words,  "died  at  sea;"  but  only 
for  a  few  fond  hearts  are  they  freighted  with  woe. 

That  pulseless  form,  resting  beneath  the  waves  until 
"  the  sea  shall  give  up  its  dead,"  was  the  staff  and  solace 
of  a  silver-haired  mother,  whose  dim  eyes  will  no  longer 
need  to  watch  wistfully  the  shipping  news.  The  Aurora 
will  never  again  bear  into  port  that  strong,  honest  heart ; 
and  so  the  mother  folds,  with  trembling  hands  and  falling 
tears,  the  garments  her  love  has  fashioned  in  readiness  for 
that  son's  return,  and  presses  her  pale  lips  upon  each  trifle 
hallowed  by  his  touch.  The  shadow  is  heavy  and  dark 
that  hangs  over  the  parsonage,  whose  fireside  will  never 
again  be  enlivened  by  Captain  Ashmead's  genial  laugh  and 
racy  speech ;  but  'tis  lifted  by  that  strong  faith  which  looks 
beyond  the  deep  waters  and  the  mystery  of  death,  to  the 
Rock  of  Ages  and  the  "continuing  city." 

And  in  another  home  a  young  heart  drinks  to  the  dregs 
its  first  bitter  cup  of  grief,  and  buries  a  sweet  hope,  and 
then  walks  the  earth  a  ministering  spirit,  with  serene  face, 
and  a  perfume  as  of  crushed  flowers  clinging  to  the  mantle 
of  charity  that  inwraps  her;  and  an  orphan  girl  cries  out, 
"He  was  my  mamma's  friend  and  Nathan's  !  and  I  have  so 
few  to  love  ! "  Her  sorrow,  like  a  summer  cloud,  is  dis- 
solved in  tears,  which  Diantha's  gentle  hand  wipes  away, 
while  her  soft  voice  reminds  the  sobbing  girl  of  Christ's 
pitying  love  and  her  manifold  blessings. 

Diantha's  nature  was  too  healthful,  active,  and  buoyant 
to  brood  over  and  magnify  her  loss  by  sentimentally  nour- 


288  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

ishing  it.  Fortunately  for  her  at  this  crisis,  Mrs.  Ho  well's 
absence  brought  upon  her  all  the  domestic  cares  of  the 
household ;  and  being  too  conscientious,  and  too  watchful 
of  her  father's  comfort,  to  neglect  one  of  the  petty  details 
which  added  to  the  attractions  of  his  home,  they  were  a 
wholesome  diversion  to  her  thoughts.  Then  her  natural 
inclinations,  her  love  of  study,  and  her  desire  to  give  her 
father  the  companionship,  sympathy,  and  encouragement 
in  his  literary  labors  which  she  knew  he  craved  and  found 
in  hex-,  proved  not  only  an  efficacious  stimulant  to  her  mind, 
but  a  healing  and  solace  to  her  heart. 

The  poor  families  who  looked  to  Diantha  for  counsel  and 
material  aid,  the  inmates  of  the  Orphan  Asylum,  and  the 
sufferers  at  the  Bonsecour,  did  not  dream  they  were  help- 
ing their  "  angel  of  mercy  "  through  deep  Avaters,  Avhere  her 
trembling  feet  might  have  stumbled  and  faltered,  and  her 
bruised  heart  might  have  paused  dismayed,  but  for  the 
encouragment  to  push  bravely  forward  Avhich  their  neces- 
sities held  out.  Edna  Shreve's  dependence,  her  clinging 
love,  and  her  quick  perceptions  were  not  without  their 
SAveet  and  inspiring  uses  to  Diantha. 

So  self-forgetful,  single-minded,  and  cheerful  did  she 
seem,  so  noble  Avere  the  ministrations  of  her  hands  during 
this  spring,  that  even  her  intimate  friend,  Mrs.  Metcalf,  did 
not  suspect  she  was  concealing  any  deep  grief.  Notwith- 
standing the  twenty-five  years  which  separated  the  elder 
lady  from  her  young  friend,  they  had  many  pursuits,  tastes, 
and  sympathies  in  common,  Avhile  strong  and  tender  loA'e 
for  each  other  drew  them  almost  (Jaily  together.  They 
were  interested  in  the  same  charities,  read  and  discussed 
the  same  authors,  and  in  their  walks,  drives,  and  readings 
Horace  Metcalf  found  abundant  opportunities  to  share  their 
labors  and  pleasures.  Diantha  had  learned  to  think  his 
friendship  an  essential  beautifier  of  her  daily  life,  before  she 


STEPHEN'S  EETUEN.  289 

turned  to  it  as  a  solace  for  the  loss  of  that  love  which  she 
had  dared  hope  was  hers. 

For  ten  days  the  Aurora  lay  at  quarantine  in  the  harbor 
of  Liverpool,  and  another  week  was  consumed  in  the  con- 
signment of  her  cargo  and  the  reloading  of  the  ship  accord- 
ing to  the  instructions  of  the  owners,  who  had  forwarded 
letters  for  Captain  Ashmead  to  their  Liverpool  agents. 

Stephen  acted  as  supercargo  of  the  ship,  because  his 
deceased  friend  had  invested  him  with  authority  so  to  act ; 
but  in  every  important  step  he  consulted  with  the  Liver- 
pool house,  which  had  extensive  dealings  with  the  owners 
of  the  Aurora.  He  would  have  returned  by  steamer  to 
New  York,  but  for  his  desire  to  execute,  as  far  as  possible, 
Captain  Ashmead's  wishes. 

He  was  unwilling  to  assume  with  the  mate,  McDonald, 
the  responsibility  of  commanding  the  Aurora  ;  not  that  he 
lacked  confidence  in  the  mate's  seamanship,  but  in  his  in- 
tegrity. Rumors  of  civil  war  in  the  United  States  and  the 
closing  of  southern  ports  had  reached  them  before  they 
left  Italy,  and  he  had  accidentally  overheard  the  mate 
affirm,  that  to  command  a  blockade-runner  would  give 
him  just  the  exciting,  daring  kind  of  life  he  thirsted  for; 
that  handsome  fortunes  would  be  made  by  running  mer- 
chandise into  southern  cities ;  and  that  the  Aurora  would 
be  a  capital  ship  for  such  purposes.  Therefore,  with  the 
advice  and  assistance  of  the  Liverpool  agents,  an  efficient 
English  capiain  was  secured  to  command  the  Aurora,  and 
as  McDonald  showed  his  colors  by  refusing  to  sail  under 
a  captain,  he  was  discharged  by  the  agents  of  Prime  &  Dil- 
lingham,  and  Stephen  served  as  mate.  A  warm  friendship 
was  cemented  between  this  reticent,  middle-aged  English 
Captain  Baker  and  the  impulsive  young  man  who  was  so 
iptimately  associated  with  him,  which  proved  of  inestima- 
ble service  to  both. 
19 


290  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

The  Aurora  made  good  time  on  her  homeward  passage, 
and  Stephen,  with  eager  delight,  hailed  the  American  shore 
in  season  to  see  the  rejuvenating  of  the  old  earth.  As  soon 
after  delivering  up  the  ship's  records  to  her  owners  as 
steam  could  convey  him,  he  stood  under  his  father's  roof, 
rejoicing  in  such  measure  as  only  an  unusual  exposure  to 
the  perils  of  sea  and  land,  together  with  a  peculiar  expan- 
sion and  enriching  of  the  heart  and  soul,  could  induce. 

"You  should  see  what  I  have  seen,  and  feel  what  I  have 
felt,  during  the  last  six  months,  to  know  the  rapture  and 
thankfulness  that  thrills  me  now,"  Stephen  said,  when  his 
joy  had  so  spent  itself  in  tears  that  it  could  find  expression 
in  words. 

"  Your  experience  has  been  ours,  so  far  as  the  tenderest 
love  and  sympathy  could  make  it,  my  boy ;  we  have  seen 
with  your  eyes  and  heard  with  your  ears  ever  since  the 
sailing  of  the  Aurora,  and  most  emphatically  your  grieving 
and  your  rejoicing  have  been  ours,"  answered  the  doctor; 
and  then,  in  a  lighter  tone,  with  the  intent  of  turning  the 
current  of  emotion  into  a  channel  broad  and  shallow  enough 
to  permit  the  ripples  of  ordinary  speech,  he  added, — 

"  But  you  are  so  changed  that  to  call  you  '  my  boy ' 
seems  wanting  in  deference  to  your  added  inches,  as  well 
as  to  the  manliness  your  experience  has  developed.  You 
are  wonderfully  improved,  Stephen ; "  and  the  father  might 
have  been  forgiven  if  he  looked  somewhat  proudly,  not 
alone  upon  the  "  added  inches,"  but  upon  the  finely  sensi- 
tive face,  on  which  was  stamped  a  dignity,  a  high-toned 
purpose,  and  an  earnest  decision  which  were  wanting  six 
months  before. 

"  I  wish  I  could  honestly  say  the  same  for  you  and  Di ; 
but  you  look  care-worn,  and  Di  has  lost  color  and  flesh ; 
and  Edna,  too,  has  been  growing  out  of  all  remembrance 
of  me." 


STEPHEN'S  RETURN.  291 

For  answer,  the  young  girl  came  forward  with  extended 
hands  and  radiant  face,  saying,  "  You  know  I  couldn't  for- 
get you,  and  I  shall  like  you  better  than  ever,  because  you 
were  Captain  Ashmead's  friend." 

"  We  have  all  been  very  anxious  since  we  heard  the 
Aurora  was  quarantined  in  Liverpool,  fearful  lest  you 
mi.  lit  be  stricken  with  the  fever,  and  feeling  with  you 
much  of  the  care  and  responsibility  which  the  death  of 
your  friend  threw  upon  you ;  and  without  doubt  Daisy  and 
I  look  a  little  worn,"  said  the  doctor. 

"  But  your  coming  will  brighten  us  all,  Stephen ;  we 
couldn't  have  a  better  tonic,"  Diantha  affirmed. 

"  I  shall  make  it  my  especial  mission  for  a  few  weeks  to 
keep  your  spirits  and  your  color  at  high  tide,  even  if  I  have 
to  carry  your  soups,  bundles,  and  baskets  into  all  the  lanes 
and  alleys  of  Hanthrop,  besides  assisting  father  in  his 
most  disagreeable  jobs.  I  reckon  there  would  be  a  beauty, 
and  dignity,  and  zest  about  such  service  that  I've  never 
known  before."  There  was  a  light  in  Stephen's  eyes  as 
he  spoke,  revealing  the  true  greatness  to  which  his  soul  had 
climbed. 

The  evening  was  spent  by  Stephen  in  narrating  the 
many  incidents  of  travel  which  could  not  be  written,  and 
in  a  description  of  Captain  Ashmead's  last  days.  The 
weeks  that  had  passed  since  Diantha  and  Edna  heard  of 
their  friend's  decease  had  brought  to  them  both  a  self- 
command  and  submission  which  enabled  them  to  listen  to 
Stephen's  narration  with  composure.  Grief,  when  accepted 
as  God's  discipline,  hallows  the  heart  and  matures  the  in- 
tellect. 

"  Come  to  my  chamber  a  minute,  Daisy,"  Stephen  said, 
as  they  were  separating  for  the  night ;  and  when  they  were 
alone  he  drew  from  his  portmanteau  the  ring  and  cross 
intrusted  to  him  by  Captain  Ashmead,  saying,  — 


292  DB.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  I  couldn't  sleep  until  I  had  delivered  his  messages  and 
his  gifts  to  you." 

It  was  meet  that  her  lost  friend's  gift  should  receive  the 
chrism  of  tears  that  fell  from  Diantha's  eyes  when  she 
placed  it  on  as  pure  and  unselfish  a  hand  as  ever  wore 
pearls ;  and  it  was  not  strange  that  a  gift  bequeathed  in  so 
solemn  and  tender  a  manner  should  have  been  worn  as  a 
symbol  of  the  higher  and  more  sacred  consecration  of  her 
heart  to  One  in  whose  pure  sight  "  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit " 
is  woman's  fairest  adorning. 


HARVESTING.  293 


CHAPTER   XXXI. 

HARVESTING. 

"  For  paiu,  death?  sorrow,  sent 

Unto  our  chastisement; 

For  all  loss  of  seeming  good, 

Quicken  our  gratitude." 

the  summer  that  followed  Captain  Ashmead's 
death,  while  our  country  paused  to  pay  toll  in  human 
blood  over  the  smooth  turnpike  of  our  sins,  and  while  the 
strongest  faith  could  hardly  recognize  "  the  pillar  of  fire  and 
cloud  "  as  an  angel  of  God's  providence,  when  the  terrible 
reality  of  a  nation's  grief  and  humiliation  caused  many 
hearts  to  rise  above  private  sorrows,  Diantha  did  not  sit 
with  folded  hands,  brooding  over  her  own  loss.  She  ac- 
cepted the  work  which  the  nation's  necessities  brought  to 
her  as  an  instrument  of  mercy ;  and  this  work  ingrafted 
upon  her  life  more  richly  and  deeply  the  graces  of  that 
"  charity  which  suifereth  long,  and  is  kind."  She  went  to 
Hollyville,  with  Stephen  and  Edna,  to  spend  a  few  days 
with  Captain  Ashmead's  mother  and  sister,  and  found  that 
while  "  sorrow  builds  a  bridge  between  mourning  hearts," 
sympathy,  patience,  and  hope  may  overspread  it  with  ver- 
dure and  blossoms. 

It  was  not  easy  for  one  of  Stephen  Howell's  ardent  and 
susceptible  nature  to  remain  quiet  when  his  country  had 
need  of  strong  limbs  and  brave  hearts;  he  would  have 
rushed  impetuously  to  the  rescue  of  our  dishonored  nag 


294  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

when  the  first  call  for  troops  quickened  the  great  pulse  of 
the  nation's  heart  but  for  his  father's  restraining  counsel. 
Dr.  Howell  was  not  a  politician,  and  his  liberal  culture,  his 
deep  and  broad  Christian  charity,  enabled  him  to  look  at 
the  disturbing  causes  dispassionately,  and  with  unpreju- 
diced vision.  He  saw  a  strength  and  unity  of  purpose  in 
the  South  for  which  few  gave  them  credit,  which  he  felt 
would  make  the  contest  a  long  and  serious  one,  and  would 
imperatively  demand  all  the  courage,  earnestness,  and  mus- 
cle of  the  North.  When  Horace  Metcalf  and  Stephen 
yearned  to  answer  the  first  call  for  troops,  he  showed  them 
how  much  more  advantageously  they  might  serve  their 
country  in  her  hour  of  peril  by  first  securing  an  armor ; 
and  that  armor  must  be  the  ability  to  use  their  intellectual, 
moral,  and  physical  strength  to  some  purpose.  Young 
Metcalf  required  only  a  few  weeks  of  practical  service  in  a 
hospital  to  be  ready  for  the  duties  of  a  surgeon ;  and  Ste- 
phen, with  some  little  difficulty,  was  persuaded  to  prepare 
himself  to  save  lives,  instead  of  throwing  himself  into  the 
ranks,  where,  without  discipline,  his  hands  and  head  would 
be  of  comparatively  little  avail  to  his  country. 

In  the  dark  hour  that  followed  the  first  great  disastrous 
battle,  when  consternation  and  dismay  hung  like  a  heavy 
pall  over  the  land,  then  Dr.  Howell,  accompanied  by  his 
two  pupils,  went  to  the  front;  and  wherever  skilful  treat- 
ment, patience,  and  tenderness  could  alleviate  the  suffer- 
ings of  the  wounded  and  fever-stricken  soldiers,  these  three 
men  were  to  be  found. 

And  at  home  Mrs.  Metcalf  and  Diantha  watched,  and 
prayed,  and  stitched  upon  the  coarse  blue  shirts,  and  vis- 
ited the  soldiers'  families,  showing  in  their  homely  work 
and  patient  waiting  a  heroism  as  true  and  lofty  as  throbbed 
beneath  the  epaulets  of  the  bravest  officer,  and  perhaps 
rendering  their  country  as  efficient  service. 


HARVESTING.  295 

It  was  a  rare  bit  of  gossip  for  the  "Metropolitan"  —  the 
journal  that  so  delicately  and  judiciously  served  up  polite 
literature  for  the  "  best  society,"  sifting  and  winnowing  it 
of  such  honest  grain  as  might  have  given  some  hungry  soul 
a  nourishing  crumb  of  thought  —  to  record  the  marriage 
of  Hortense,  only  daughter  of  Ralph  Goodenow,  Esq.,  to 
Sir  Sydney  Dearbon ;  married  in  Paris  to  an  English  bar- 
onet, with  a  brilliant  company,  including  all  the  attaches 
of  the  American  embassy,  to  witness  the  ceremony !  and 
the  Metropolitan  described  the  gilding  of  the  affair  with 
as  much  apparent  relish  as  if  it  were  a  union  that  would 
help  cement  the  pacific  relations  of  England  and  America, 
while  sentimental  young  ladies  read  the  elaborate  para- 
graph, and  floated  away  into  dream-land  on  visions  of  ba- 
ronial halls,  hereditary  jewels,  brocades,  and  laces.  Could 
they  have  known  how  empty  and  worthless  Sir  Sydney's 
title  was,  they  would  have  thanked  God  for  democratic  in- 
stitutions, which  crowned  labor  with  dignity,  and  stamped 
honest  endeavor  with  a  patent  of  nobility. 

The  young  baronet  in  question,  having  lost  his  fortune 
at  the  gaming-tables  of  Baden,  and  having  impoverished 
and  benumbed  his  brain  and  heart  with  riotous  living,  of- 
fered his  empty  title  to  the  pretty  Miss  Goodenow,  who  was 
reputed  an  heiress  in  Baden  and  Paris,  hoping  thereby  to 
secure  not  only  immunity  to  his  handsome  person  from 
awkward  arrests,  but  the  means  to  propitiate  his  tailor, 
who  had  in  several  instances  proved  selfishly  persistent  in 
claiming  an  equivalent  for  the  fashionable  attire  in  which 
the  baronet  made  his  conquests. 

Ralph  Goodenow's  shrewdness  had  been  matched  by  Sir 
Sydney's,  and  lulled  by  the  representations  of  his  wife  and 
daughter,  who  insisted  that  the  title  would  be  a  better  card 
in  polite  society  than  wealth.  The  baronet  did  not  lay 
claim  to  large  possessions,  but  spoke  vaguely  of  a  suit  in 


296  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

Chancery,  which  must  eventually  be  decided  in  his  favor, 
giving  him  an  estate  in  the  north  of  England.  He  inti- 
mated that  a  large  tract  of  laud  in  a  coal-mining  district 
in  Wales  belonged  to  him,  and  would  yield  a  handsome 
income,  if  he  had  the  business  tact  to  organize  a  company, 
and  open  a  mine.  He  did  not  think  it  essential  to  tell  his 
future  father-in-law  that  heavy  mortgages  covered  the  land 
in  Wales,  or  that  the  estate  in  Chancery  would  be*  swal- 
lowed up  by  the  costs  of  litigation  —  disagreeable  facts  al- 
ways announce  themselves ;  and  Ralph  Goodenow,  seeing 
a  large  field  for  successful  stock  speculations  in  this  unde- 
veloped land  in  Wales,  did  not  ask  to  look  at  title-deeds, 
but  gave  his  consent  to  the  marriage. 

Both  father  and  lover  were  desirous  of  consummating 
the  union  as  speedily  as  possible,  as  both  were  afraid  of 
developments  which  might  throw  impediments  in  the  way 
of  the  matrimonial  negotiations.  In  the  first  place,  the 
brilliant  and  accomplished  young  secretary  of  legation 
had  been  advised  by  his  superior  in  office  to  resign  his  hon- 
ors, because  his  passion  for  wine  and  cards  seriously  inter- 
fered with  his  official  duties.  He  had  received  intimations 
from  the  Cabinet  at  Washington  that  he  was  to  be  "re- 
lieved" from  the  cares  of  state,  and  the  Goodenows  wished 
the  marriage  solemnized  before  their  connection  with  the 
American  embassy  was  severed,  as  such  a  rupture  might 
make  a  difference  in  the  bestowal  of  Sir  Sydney's  title. 
Then  Ralph  Goodenow  had  been  so  successful  at  the  gam- 
ing-tables of  Paris  and  Baden  as  to  secure  for  himself  the 
distinguished  regards  of  the  police  and  civil  authorities; 
their  critical  observation  and  marked  attentions  must  be 
concealed  from  the  baronet ;  and  moreover,  to  avoid  a  more 
intimate  acquaintance  with  these  dignitaries,  both  father 
and  son  were  making  private  arrangements  for  a  speedy 
return  to  New  York.  And  as  Sir  Sydney  did  not  think 


HARVESTING.  297 

it  prudent  for  certain  idiosyncrasies  of  his  own  —  such,  for 
instance,  as  his  aristocratic  indifference  to  the  ways  and 
means  by  which  his  bills  were  paid  —  to  be  known  to  his 
future  relatives,  he  showed  quite  as  much  impatience  in 
hastening  the  wedding  festivities  as  policy  would  permit. 
They  were  married  the  first  of  October,  after  an  acquaint- 
ance of  two  months,  and  went  directly  to  Rome  for  the 
winter,  where,  so  long  as  they  spent  money  freely,  few 
questions  would  be  asked  about  their  antecedents. 

The  civil  war  in  the  United  States  held  out  many  in- 
ducements for  Ralph  Goodenow  and  his  son  to  return. 

They  were  not  drawn  by  their  country's  necessities  to 
offer  the  service  of  hand,  or  purse,  or  brain  ;  patriotism  was 
an  emotion  of  which  they  had  no  conception,  and  their  na- 
tive land  was  valued  only  as  an  arena  for  stock-jobbing 
and  money-making  operations.  In  this  crisis  the  shrewd 
eyes  of  the  elder  man  saw  rare  possibilities  for  amassing 
riches:  a  position  in  the  army,  a  government  contract, 
something  which  would  wear  the  outward  semblance  of 
serving  his  country,  and  at  the  same  time  afford  him  ample 
opportunities  for  securing  money,  was  the  magnet  which 
drew  Ralph  Goodenow  home;  and  Arthur,  with  no  higher 
or  more  loyal  motives,  followed  in  his  father's  steps. 

Mrs.  Ralph's  ambition  was  not  unequally  yoked  with  her 
husband's;  to  astonish  New  York  friends  with  the  variety 
and  magnificence  of  her  Parisian  wardrobe,  to  decorate  her 
house  with  foreign  ornaments,  and  to  spice  her  limping 
grammar  with  French  phrases  and  allusions  to  Sir  Sydney, 
were  motives  sufficiently  high  to  satisfy  this  fine  lady's 
heart. 

Mrs.  Arthur  Goodenow  saw  abundant  novelty  and  diver- 
sion in  the  political  intriguing  which  she  knew  would  be 
necessary  to  secure  her  husband  an  office.  Arthur  would 
at  once  repair  to  Washington,  an  aspirant  for  political  or 


298  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

military  honors;  and  life  in  the  capital,  where  the  officers 
of  the  grand  army  of  the  Potomac  had  no  more  serious 
occupation  than  to  ornament  ladies'  drawing-rooms  with 
their  uniforms,  promised  to  Louise  just  the  excitement  for 
which  she  thirsted. 

Mrs.  Howell,  of  course,  accompanied  her  dear  Lou  back 
to  America.  Indeed,  she  would  have  been  obliged  to 
return,  if,  as  she  told  her  friends,  "  the  unhappy  strife  be- 
tween the  North  and  South  had  not  precipitated  the 
return  of  her  daughter,"  inasmuch  as  "  the  remnant  of 
her  first  husband's  bequest"  would  not  have  permitted  a 
longer  residence  in  Paris;  and  Dr.  Howell  adhered  to  his 
first  resolve,  not  to  increase  this  remnant  while  she  re- 
mained abroad  with  people  who  were  so  repugnant  to  him. 

The  Goodenows  arrived  in  New  York  late  in  October, 
and  Dr.  Howell,  having  been  apprised  of  their  coming, 
went  to  the  city  to  meet  his  wife.  He  was  not  surprised 
to  find  her  looking  worn  and  thin,  for  her  letters  had  in- 
formed him  of  her  constant  succession  of  exciting  and 
wearing  pleasures.  She  had  flitted  from  city  to  city 
with  the  Goodeuows,  who,  with  their  craft  and  self-assur- 
ance, had  obtained  such  letters  of  introduction  to  Ameri- 
can officials  in  foreign  cities  as  had  secured  for  them 
invitations  to  balls,  receptions,  and  dinners,  and  had  made 
their  foreign  tour  little  more  than  a  brilliant  panoramic 
exhibition  of  dressing  and  eating. 

But  if  Dr.  Howell  was  prepared  to  find  his  wife  worn 
with  her  fashionable  masquerading,  he  did  not  expect  to 
see  the  harassed,  restless  look  that  marred  the  well-pre- 
served beauty  of  her  face.  She  was  evidently  dissatisfied 
with  her  relatives  and  her  surroundings,  but  such  fascina- 
tion and  magnetism  did  the  chains  possess  that  she  had 
not  the  moral  courage  to  cast  them  off. 

Dr.  Howell  had  to   attend  to  some  business  with  his 


HARVESTING.  299 

publishers  and  the  Sanitary  Commission,  and  was  obliged 
to  spend  a  couple  of  days  with  his  wife's  friends  at  the  St. 
Nicholas  Hotel,  —  the  elegant  home  of  the  Goodenows,  on 
Montague  Square,  not  being  ready  for  the  occupation  of  its 
owners ;  and  while  thus  associated  with  them,  his  quick  eye 
and  ear  detected  some  of  the  causes  for  his  wife's  tired  and 
disturbed  appearance ;  and  with  that  delicacy  and  tender 
consideration  for  her  which  had  always  colored  the  doctor's 
domestic  relations,  and  for  which  her  haughty  spirit  had 
yearned  in  her  self-condemned  exile,  he  sought  to  win  her 
confidence,  divert  her  thoughts,  and  soothe  her  nervous 
irritation. 

"  The  rough  passage,  and  my  sea-sickness,  and  the  hurry 
and  confusion  of  our  last  week  in  Paris,  give  me  a  tired 
look;  but  really  I  have  better  health,  doctor,  than  I've 
had  before  for  ten  years,"  Mrs.  Howell  affirmed,  when  the 
doctor  expressed  anxiety  about  her  appearance,  and  en- 
deavored to  draw  from  her  the  reason  of  her  depression 
and  disquietude.  "  And  now  that  I  have  time  to  look  at 
you,  I  see  the  signs  of  hard  work  on  your  face,  Stephen. 
I  think  you  are  looking  more  worn  and  harassed  than  I 
am,"  the  lady  added,  in  a  more  wifely  tone  than  she  was 
wont  to  use. 

"  I've  not  taken  as  much  time  for  rest  and  recreation  as 
I  ought,  since  the  war  brought  so  much  work  to  all,  and 
such  anxious  forebodings  to  every  thinking  heart.  Since 
the  great  disaster  at  Bull  Run,  I've  made  several  visits  to 
Washington,  using  all  my  strength  and  influence  in  estab- 
lishing systematic  hospital  arrangements." 

"  "Tis  so  like  you  to  take  upon  youself  all  the  disagree- 
able drudgery,  that  wins  neither  honor  nor  money !  If 
you  must  have  anything  to  do  with  the  war,  why  not 
manage  to  secure  a  position  that  will  command  a  high 
salary,  and  give  your  science  and  skill  fair  play  ?  " 


300  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  There  will  be  no  lack  of  men  who  will  seek  only  the 
spoils  and  honors  of  war.  My  mission  will  be  to  save  as 
many  brave  soldiers  to  the  country  as  possible,  by  nourish- 
ing the  sick  and  wounded,  and  comforting  the  homesick 
and  disheartened ;  and  in  my  work  Horace  Metcalf  and 
Stephen  are  most  faithful  and  efficient  allies." 

"  I  can't  believe  Stephen  has  stability  enough  to  be  of 
any  real  service  in  the  hospitals;,  and  if  I  had  been  at 
home,  I  should  never  have  consented  to  his  leaving  col- 
lege, and  exposing  himself  to  such  debasing  influences  as 
the  war  must  carry  in  its  train.  To  think  of  such  a  sunny- 
tempered  boy  helping  to  dress  wounds  and  amputate  limbs  ; 
breathing  the  pestilential  odors  of  hospitals,  and  associating 
with  ignorance  and  vice  !  'Tis  enough  to  break  a  mother's 
heart!" 

"You  musn't  think  of  Stephen  as  he  was  when  you  left 
home.  Since  then  he  has  buckled  on  an  armor  that  will 
protect  him  from  all  contaminating  influences.  His  expe- 
rience while  abroad  with  Captain  Ashmead  developed  the 
strength  and  manliness  of  his  character;  and  the  perils 
and  necessities  of  our  country  have  awakened  his  enthusi- 
asm and  generosity  to  such  a  degree,  that  nothing  less 
than  devoting  himself  to  the  nation's  wrelfare  would  satisfy 
him  in  a  crisis  like  this.  We  have  great  reason  to  rejoice 
for  the  change  in  our  son." 

"  A  mother  can't  rejoice  when  an  only  son  is  exposed  to 
all  sorts  of  danger;  but  I'll  try  not  to  anticipate  the  worst 
results.  It  seems  almost  incredible,  too,  that  Horace  Met- 
calf, with  all  his  fondness  for  elegant  ease,  and  with  the 
most  abundant  means  to  gratify  his  tastes,  should  choose  a 
profession,  and  then  plunge  into  hospital  work.  Isn't  he 
trying  to  bury  his  disappointment  because  of  Lou's  mar- 
riage in  this  way?" 

"  I've  never  suspected  any  such  cause.     His  activity  and 


HARVESTING.  301 

his  noble  self-forgetfulness  seem  to  me  the  fruit  of  very 
different  seed." 

"  If  Horace  and  Stephen  are  in  Washington  this  winter, 
Louise  will  probably  see  a  great  deal  of  them.  She'll  be 
very  popular  there,  as  she's  always  been,  I've  no  doubt- 
She  often  had  two  or  three  engagements  for  an  evening 
in  Paris,  and  as  many  beaux  as  if  she  had  never  been 
married." 

"Does  it  please  Arthur  to  have  her  so  much  in  society, 
and  such  a  favorite  with  gentlemen  ?  " 

"  O,  he  doesn't  mind.  He's  so  absorbed  in  his  own 
pursuits  and  pleasures  that  he's  no  time  nor  inclination  to 
interfere  with  hers.  I'm  troubled  about  Arthur.  He's 
extravagant  and  reckless,  and  'tis  a  mystery  where  all  the 
money  comes  from  which  they  spend  so  lavishly.  I'm 
afraid  Arthur  is  unstable,  too.  Louise  was  vexed  \vith 
him  for  giving  up  his  connection  with  the  embassy." 

"  Didn't  she  know  he  was  obliged  to  resign,  to  avoid  the 
disgrace  of  a  public  dismissal  ?  " 

"  Indeed,  no !  How  could  you  get  a  knowledge  of 
Arthur  which  has  been  concealed  from  us  ?  Perhaps  'tis 
only  a  surmise  of  yours.  You  have  always  been  ready  to 
believe  the  worst  of  the  Goodenows." 

Dr.  Howell  made  no  reply  to  his  wife's  unjust  remark, 
but  with  a  calm  voice  said,  — 

"  Mary,  my  efforts  for  the  soldiers  have  brought  me  into 
friendly  relations  with  several  members  of  the  Cabinet,  and 
I  have  learned  from  them  that  Arthur  Goodenow  was  re- 
called because  of  neglect  of  his  official  duties.  His  dissipa- 
tion has  become  notorious." 

"Louise  thinks  Arthur  returned  because  he  had  been 
promised  a  more  lucrative  office  at  home.  It  will  be  a 
heavy  blow  to  her.  She  covets  political  distinction  for 
him,  and  will  be  miserable  if  she  cannot  spend  her  winters 
in  Washington." 


302  DK.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  Arthur  is  still  so  young,  he  may  reform ;  and  the 
strong,  pure  influence  of  a  Christian  wife  might  be  his 
salvation." 

Mrs.  Howell  was  silent.  She  knew  Arthur's  wife  had 
no  longer  a  restraining  influence  upon  him ;  and  she  knew 
also  that  eighteen  months  in  Paris  had  developed,  with 
marvellous  rapidity,  his  inherent  vices.  A  hothouse  pres- 
sure had  been  brought  to  bear  upon  the  weeds  of  his  na- 
ture, and  they  had  apparently  choked  out  the  grain,  if  any 
had  taken  root  in  the  soil  of  his  heart.  It  was  no  consola- 
tion to  Mrs.  Howell,  as  she  sat  silent  and  humiliated,  to 
remember  that  her  own  daughter  had  never  tried  to  draw 
Arthur  into  a  purer  atmosphere ;  that  her  indifference  to 
him  and  her  devotion  to  self  might  have  been  one  of  the 
provoking  stimulants  of  this  poisonous  growth. 

But  when  Dr.  Howell,  sorrowing  because  his  wife  had 
cause  for  sorrow,  suggested  that  Louise  should  be  invited 
to  accompany  them  to  Hanlhrop,  Mrs.  Howell,  with  a  deep- 
drawn  sigh,  regretted  that  their  plain  home  could  offer  so 
few  attractions  to  eyes  that  had  been  dazed  with  Paris. 
However,  she  thought  it  possible,  if  they  remained  in  New 
York  until  after  Mrs.  Ralph  Goodenow's  grand  opening  of 
their  residence  on  Montague  Square,  Louise  might  go  to 
Hanthrop  for  a  short  visit. 

The  ladies  remained  a  week  for  the  party,  and  Dr. 
Howell  returned  alone  to  his  work  in  Hanthrop. 


MBS.  ARTHUR'S  POLICY.  303 


CHAPTER    XXXII. 

MES.    ARTHUR'S    POLICY. 

"  If  she  loves  at  last, 
Her  love's  a  readjustment  of  self-love  — 
No  more  ;  a  need  felt  of  another's  use 
To  her  one  advantage,  —  as  the  mill  wants  grain, 
The  fire  wants  fuel,  the  very  wolf  wants  prey; 
And  none  of  these  is  more  unscrupulous 
Than  such  a  charming  woman  when  she  loves." 

MRS.  BROWNING. 

EVEN  Mrs.  Howell  bad  the  grace  to  apologize  for  re- 
maining away  from  her  home  a  fortnight  after  reaching 
American  soil. 

"  If  Lou  had  been  in  her  usual  health  and  spirits,  I  could 
have  left  her  in  New  York,"  she  said  to  the  doctor,  who 
sat  by  the  sofa  on  which  his  wife  reclined  for  the  first  time 
after  a  year's  absence.  "  But  you  could  not  ask  me  to 
leave  my  dear,  fatherless  child,  when  anxiety  and  the  un- 
certainty of  Arthur's  prospects  were  preying  upon  her 
nerves  and  spirits." 

Dr.  Howell  did  not  oppose  the  assertion,  and  his  wife 
continued  :  — 

"  You,  and  Di,  and  Edna  are  so  comfortable  with  each 
other,  and  so  contented  with  your  work,  that  you  don't 
need  me ;  in  fact,  I'm  rather  a  hinderance  than  a  help  to 
you  ;  while  to  Lou  I'm  almost  a  necessity.  Then  I  must 
confess  I  did  have  the  greatest  curiosity  to  see  how  Ralph's 
family  would  be  received  by  the  clique  amongst  whom  they 


304  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

were  so  popular  before  his  failure  ;  and  I  shall  always  be 
glad  that  I  witnessed  their  triumph  with  my  own  eyes." 

"  The  reception  was  satisfactory  ?  "  queried  the  doctor, 
quite  as  much  because  he  wished  to  give  his  wife  the 
pleasure  of  living  over  in  narration  her  short-lived  joys,  as 
because  he  desired  to  know  how  the  "  best  society  "  forgot 
and  ignored  the  peccadilloes  of  one  who  could  still  keep  an 
open  house  on  Montague  Square ;  who  could  import  a  span 
of  thorough-bred  horses,  and  drive  a  stylish  equipage  up 
Broadway ;  who  could  refer  pompously  to  our  "  residence 
in  Paris,"  and  quote  "  my  son-in-law,  Sir  Sydney  Dear- 
bon." 

"  Satisfactory ! "  The  word  was  repeated  by  Mrs.  How- 
ell  as  if  it  were  incapable  of  portraying  the  most  impalpa- 
ble shadow  of  the  reality.  "  It  was  a  brilliant  triumph 
over  such  envious  and  jealous  persons  as  looked  suspi- 
ciously on  Ralph's  connection  with  the  Eureka  and  Feather 
River  stocks !  You  know  the  Metropolitan  had  announced 
the  marriage  of  Hortense  to  an  English  baronet,  had  hinted 
at  Ralph's  success  in  retrieving  his  fortunes  in  Paris,  and 
had  described  some  of  the  choice  pictures  and  statuary 
which  he  brought  home.  Then  Hon.  Mrs.  Carlos  Hap- 
good  called  on  every  family  in  their  set  who  was  supposed 
to  remember  anything  disagreeable  about  the  unfortunate 
stock  operations,  and  made  proper  explanations ;  in  fine, 
the  Metropolitan  (its  reporter  received  an  equivalent  in 
gold  for  the  uplifting  flow  of  his  ink)  and  Mrs.  Hapgood 
together  made  everybody  half  crazy  to  see  the  grand 
opening  and  renew  their  acquaintance  with  the  Goode- 
nows.  You  ought  to  have  remained  to  the  reception,  doc- 
tor ;  it  would  have  been  an  entirely  new  phase  of  life  to 
you  —  a  revelation  of  the  breadth  and  liberality  of  senti- 
ment which  prevails  amongst  cultivated  people.  I  doubt 
if  a  more  elaborate,  elegant,  and  recherche  entertainment 


MRS.  ARTHUR'S  POLICY.  305 

was  ever  given  in  New  York.  The  house  was  refurnished 
with  carpets  and  draperies,  manufactured  to  order  in  Eng- 
land and  France,  and  the  new  furniture,  pictures,  and 
statuary,  the  choice  ornaments,  flowers,  and  colored  lights, 
made  it  look  like  an  enchanted  palace.  The  tables  were 
covered  with  heavy  white  rep  silk,  embroidered  with  red 
and  blue,  with  a  monogram  in  each  corner,  wrought  in 
gold.  The  union  of  the  red,  white,  and  blue  in  the  table 
covers,  and  the  draping  of  the  dining-room  windows  and 
doors  with  the  English,  French,  and  American  flags,  were 
in  honor  of  the  military  and  naval  guests  who  represented 
the  three  nations.  The  table  service  of  glass  and  china 
was  of  the  most  exquisite  quality  and  unique  pattern, 
made  in  Holland  for  Ralph,  and  engraved  with  the  Good- 
enow  and  Dearjbon  coat  of  arms  and  monogram.  The  re- 
freshments were  as  delicate  and  delicious  as  Delmonico 
could  furnish ;  the  Symphonic  Band,  concealed  behind 
draperies,  played  national  and  patriotic  airs ;  the  choicest 
exotics  filled  the  house  with  perfume,  and  the  uniforms  of 
the  officers  and  the  beautiful  dresses  and  jewels  of  the 
ladies  almost  dazzled  the  eyes.  Indeed,  all  the  senses 
were  intoxicated  with  the  beauty,  perfume,  and  harmony 
of  the  occasion ;  and  the  only  eulogium  I  need  bestow 
upon  it  is  to  say,  it  was  a  reproduction  of  Parisian 
splendors." 

"What  of  Arthur's  prospects?"  asked  the  doctor,  who 
had  heard  as  much  during  the  past  year  about  foreign 
styles  and  gayeties  as  he  could  well  digest.  Such  themes 
sounded  strangely  incongruous  when  the  groans  of  a  na- 
tion and  the  crash  of  contending  hosts  swept  through  the 
cities  and  echoed  among  the  hills. 

"  O,  he's  almost  sure  of  a  colonel's  commission  in  a  New 
York  regiment  of  volunteers;  and  Lou  will  spend  the 
winter  in  Washington.  The  Hapgoods  will  be  there;  and 
20 


306  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

so  many  regiments  are  quartered  in  and  around  the  city, 
that  the  season  promises  to  be  a  very  brilliant  one ;  and 
my  dear  child  has  quite  recovered  her  spirits,  anticipating 
the  winter's  enjoyments.  Ralph  says  this  crisis  will  pave 
the  way  to  some  magnificent  fortunes." 

"  Did  he  tell  you  by  what  means  money  is  to  be  coined 
out  of  a  nation's  peril  ?  "  asked  the  doctor. 

"  I  heard  a  great  deal  about  contracts  for  army  supplies, 
which  I  did  not  comprehend.  I  only  know  both  Ralph 
and  Arthur  are  throwing  all  their  energies  into  the  war, 
but  in  different  channels,  I  infer,  from  what  you,  and  Met- 
calf,  and  Stephen  choose  to  work.  How  soon  shall  I  see 
my  dear  boy  ?  " 

"  He  will  come  home  for  Thanksgiving." 

"It  was  very  unnatural  in  him  to  spend  ten  days  in 
Liverpool  without  running  over  to  Paris  to  see  his  mother 
and  sister." 

"I  told  you,  Mary,  how  closely  he  was  confined  with  the 
affairs  of  the  Aurora." 

"  Well,  it  doesn't  signify  now,  I  shall  see  him  so  soon  ; 
and  as  you  go  to  Washington  so  frequently  on  your  hos- 
pital business,  I  suppose  I  may  look  forward  to  spending  a 
few  weeks  there  with  my  children  this  winter." 

"  We  hope  you'll  find  the  quiet  of  your  home  so  agreea- 
ble that  nothing  will  tempt  you  away  from  it.  We  shall 
all  try  to  make  it  as  attractive  to  you  as  possible.  When 
the  feverish  excitement  of  travelling  and  sight-seeing  has 
worn  off,  you'll  feel  the  need  of  rest ;  and  when  you've 
been  at  home  long  enough  to  realize  the  terrible  calami- 
ties of  civil  war,  an  indulgence  in  expensive  pleasures  will 
seem  almost  criminal  to  you." 

"  I  can't  see  why  the  war  should  interfere  any  further 
with  my  tastes  and  pleasures,  when  I've  already  made 
the  greatest  sacrifice  a  mother  can  make,  in  permitting 


MRS.  ARTHUR'S  POLICY.  307 

an  only  son  to  give  his  time  and  energies  to  hospital 
work." 

"  When  you  know  what  Mrs.  Mctcalf,  and  Daisy,  and 
thousands  of  the  most  intelligent  and  refined  women  in 
our  country  are  doing  for  the  soldiers  and  their  poor  fam- 
lies,  your  sympathies  will  be  enlisted  in  the  work,  and 
you'll  not  count  the  loss  of  personal  pleasures  a  sacrifice;" 
and  then  the  doctor  adroitly  turned  the  conversation  to 
such  themes  as  would  interest  his  wife  without  rousing 
her  spirit  of  opposition  ;  and  while  he  is  describing  to  her 
the  design  and  success  of  Horace  Metcalf's  scientific  acad- 

O 

emy,  we'll  turn  to  the  daughter,  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  her 
growth  and  development. 

"  And  so  you've  plodded  on  in  the  old  grooves  for  eigh- 
teen months,  Di,  with  nothing  but  broth-making,  and  hos- 
pital-visiting, and  housekeeping  for  diversion,"  remarked 
Mrs.  Arthur  Goodenow,  daintily  arranging  the  folds  of  her 
handsome  silk.  Diantha  had  been  summoned  to  her  half- 
sister's  chamber,  to  assist  her  in  the  elaborate  process  of 
making  a  becoming  dinner  toilet. 

"You  forget  the  pleasant  care  of  instructing  Edna, 
the  writing  for  papa,  and  the  work  that  has  to  be  done  for 
soldiers.  The  grooves  of  my  life  are  not  so  strait  and 
narrow  as  to  exclude  novelty  and  divergence,"  answered 
Diantha ;  and  the  rich  glow  of  health  upon  her  face,  with 
its  expression  of  trustful  content,  and  the  clear  lustre 
of  her  eyes,  told  of  no  stagnant,  morbid,  or  narrow  life 
within. 

"  You  know  as  much  about  novelty  as  the  horses  in  a 
tread-mill!  The  monotony  and  barrenness  of  your  life 
would  paralyze  me !  But  I  suppose  'tis  fortunate  you 
haven't  my  tastes  and  ambitions,  as  neither  your  father's 
means  nor  prejudices  would  allow  you  to  indulge  in  the 
pleasures  of  cultivated  society.  If  you  could  only  dress 


308  DE.  HOWBLL'S  FAMILY. 

stylishly,  I'd  take  you  to  Washington  with  me  this  winter, 
where  you'd  stand  some  chance  of  marrying,  so  as  to  raise 
you  in  the  social  scale  —  unless  you  are  already  engaged  to 
some  poor  country  minister  or  doctor." 

Diantha  dared  not  trust  her  tongue  with  a  reply ;  but 
her  sudden  flush  of  color  was  interpreted  by  the  worldly- 
wise  Mrs.  Arthur  as  a  revelation  of  some  unworthy  en- 
tanglement; and  she  added, — 

"Don't  disgrace  mamma  and  me  by  bringing  a  clod- 
hopper into  the  family,  Di.  If  you've  no  self-pride,  re- 
member the  honor  of  your  connections." 

Diantha,  recovering  the  control  of  her  temper  and  her 
tongue,  laughingly  replied,  — 

"You  needn't  fear  anything  more  contaminating  than 
my  present  round  of  homely  duties.  If  such  an  Eden  as 
marriage  is  in  reserve  for  me,  'tis  very  far  in  the  future." 

"  Eden  !  indeed !  you're  as  antiquated  in  your  notions 
as  a  mummy,  Di.  If  by  Eden  you  mean  the  love  you 
once  imagined  belonged  to  the  married  state,  you  may  as 
well  break  that  string  of  your  harp  at  once.  Nine  tenths 
of  all  the  women  marry  for  position  ;  and  if  they  manage 
to  retain  respect  for  the  man  whose  name  they  bear,  'tis  a 
sentiment  quite  strong  enough  for  the  needs  of  polite  soci- 
ety. If  a  woman  is  absorbed  in  tender  thoughts,  cares, 
and  anxieties  for  her  husband,  she  naturally  neglects  her 
own  accomplishments,  and  grows  stale  and  vapid.  It  has 
always  been  my  theory,  that  a  wife  should  have  as  much 
latitude  in  her  pleasures  and  pursuits  as  a  man  ;  that  she 
should  have  every  advantage  of  society  and  every  facility 
for  cultivation.  Arthur  and  I  have  lived  quite  indepen- 
dently of  each  other  in  Paris.  It  pleased  him  to  make  the 
acquaintance  of  fast  young  Englishmen,  and  to  spend  his 
evenings  in  gambling  and  drinking;  and  I  didn't  sit  alone, 
waiting,  and  weeping,  and  sighing  for  his  society.  No ; 


MBS.  ARTHUR'S  POLICY.  309 

I  went  my  own  way  with  becoming  pride  and  spirit.  I 
made  such  capital  of  my  beauty  and  accomplishments  at 
the  receptions  of  the  embassy,  that  I  soon  had  engage- 
ments enough  to  prevent  me  from  bestowing  one  anxious 
thought  on  Arthur's  profligate  waste  of  opportunity,  talent, 
and  money." 

The  young  wife's  haughty  and  indifferent  tones  and 
words  fell  like  a  dirge  on  Diantha's  ears;  they  proclaimed 
the  burial  of  any  sentiment  akin  to  love. 

"Lou,  if  you  had  only  tried  to  make  yourself  as  pleas- 
ing to  Arthur  as  you  did  to  society,  might  you  not  have 
lured  him  away  from  temptation,  and  secured,  through 
him,  more  permanent  happiness,  and  more  true  pleasure, 
than  general  admiration  gives?" 

"  I  never  asked  myself  that  question,  because  I  was  so 
satisfied  with  the  admiration  of  society,  and  so  sure  of  my 
ability  to  win  it,  as  long  as  my  accomplishments  are  kept 
bright,  and  my  face  and  style  are  pleasing.  I  don't  mind 
telling  you  that  I've  had  a  private  tutor  in  French,  Ger- 
man, and  music,  ever  since  I  went  abroad ;  that  I've  taken 
a  vast  deal  of  care  to  inform  myself  in  matters  of  art, 
history,  and  politics,  and  to  learn  the  Parisian  secrets  of 
dress,  and  of  preserving  beauty.  The  instinct  of  self- 
preservation  and  the  love  of  admiration  and  conquest  are 
so  strong  in  me  that  I  shall  never  mope  and  fret  because 
one  man  loves  cards  and  wine  better  than  his  wife.  By 
the  way,  what  could  have  induced  Horace  Metcalf  to 
choose  the  profession  of  medicine?" 

"  Probably  the  hope  of  being  more  useful  in  that  voca- 
tion than  in  any  other." 

"  Dear  me !  Has  Horace  plunged  into  the  great  gulf 
of  utilitarianism  ?  'Tis  a  shame  and  a  pity  for  him  to 
waste  his  fine  talents  and  large  property  in  a  profession 
where  there's  so  small  a  chance  of  distinguishing  himself. 


310  DE.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

With  a  little  more  ambition,  had  he  turned  his  attention 
to  the  law,  or  politics,  or  polite  literature,  he  might  have 
won  honor  and  fame.  There  was  a  time  when  the  beauties 
and  pleasures  of  life  had  a  charm  for  him ;  and  I  shall  al- 
ways believe,  Di,  he  lost  all  courage  and  spirit  when  I 
married,  and  is  just  drowning  his  vexation  and  disappoint- 
ment in  this  commonplace  drudgery.  There  were  no  signs 
of  the  philanthropist  about  him  when  I  went  away." 

"  His  nature  has  been  quickened  and  purified  by  divine 
love ;  and  he  only  desires  now  to  make  his  talents  and  his 
wealth  of  use  to  his  fellow-men.  You  can  hardly  imagine 
a  greater  change  than  has  been  wrought  in  him.  He  is 
so  energetic,  and  so  efficient,  and  so  liberal,  that  you'll 
scarcely  recognize  a  characteristic  of  the  fastidious,  self- 
indulgent  young  man  of  one  year  ago.  Father  says  he 
works  as  zealously  for  the  moral  and  physical  welfare  of 
the  soldiers  as  if  daily  bread  depended  upon  his  efforts." 

"Mark  my  words,  Di ;  his  zeal  is  only  a  cloak,  cleverly 
worn,  to  hide  his  chagrin.  He  would  have  proposed  to 
me  mouths  before  I  met  Arthur,  had  it  not  been  for  that 
easy,  self-assured  spirit  of  dalliance  which  has  been  such  a 
prominent  characteristic  of  his.  Before  the  Washington 
winter  wanes,  I'll  make  him  repent  his  procrastination 
more  bitterly  than  he  has  yet." 

"  Lou,  it  seems  to  me  a  true  woman  and  a  wife  would 
pity  a  man  who  had  loved  her,  and,  if  she  was  sure  he  had 
cause  for  regret,  would  help  him  bury  it,  rather  than  seek 
to  kindle  a  new  fire  from  the  ashes." 

M  That's  a  natural  inference  for  you,  who  have  so  slight 
a  knowledge  of  the  world;  but  you  should  know  me  bet- 
ter. Metcalf  shall  acknowledge  my  power  and  his  weak- 
ness before  the  season  is  over.  I  hope  my  return  and  my 
victory  won't  rob  you  of  any  coveted  treasure." 

The  last  sentence  was  bitterly  spoken,  and  revealed  to 


MBS.  ARTHUR'S  POLICY.  311 

Diantha  an  unseemly,  blotted  page  of  her  half-sister's 
heart.  She  crimsoned  when  she  thought  that  a  woman 
could  cultivate  the  graces  of  intellect  and  manner  for  self- 
ish and  ignoble  uses ;  and  she  would  gladly  have  shielded 
Horace  Metcalf  from  the  pain  and  humiliation  which  the 
fascinations  of  Louise  might  subject  him  to :  possibly  her 
friendship  assumed  new  shape  and  color  when  seen  through 
the  medium  of  fear  and  pity. 

So  sensitive  and  true  was  Diantha's  soul,  and  so  marvel- 
lously did  her  color  and  her  features  mirror  every  delicate 
emotion,  that  Louise  noticed  her  confusion,  and  maliciously 
sought  to  unravel  it  with  a  few  poisoned  words. 

"I  remember  now  mamma  told  me  Horace  was  very 
polite  to  you  for  a  few  months  after  I  went  abroad ;  but 
she  thought  his  attentions  were  only  a  ruse  to  conceal  his 
love  for  me  :  you  know,  if  his  calls  at  the  house  had  ceased 
with  my  marriage,  the  reason  would  have  been  too  obvious ; 
but  if  he's  flirted  with  you  just  in  pique,  and  to  protect  his 
own  fair  reputation,  I  shall  take  double  pleasure  and  pride 
in  punishing  him  and  revenging  you." 

"  He  is  my  very  kind  friend,  but  he  has  never  flirted 
with  me,  and  I  need  no  champion  to  defend  my  rights." 

"  Then  you  admit  you  have  rights  ?  Are  you  engaged 
to  Metcalf?"  - 

"  No,  Lou ;  I  have  claims  only  on  his  friendship." 

"And  you  had  best,  for  your  own  sake  and  the  reputa- 
tion of  our  family,  say  nothing  about  such  claims.  When 
Horace  marries,  it  will  be  for  beauty  and  accomplishments, 
or  wealth,  and  you  have  neither.  He  will  not  stoop  from 
his  high  social  position  to  marry  a  tolerably  good-looking 
little  nun,  who  neglects  all  self-culture,  and  spends  her 
time  on  such  miserable  people  as  the  state  has  made  abun- 
dant provision  for.  You  have  a  lovely  pearl  on  your 
finger,  and  'tis  very  uniquely  set.  Did  Horace  give  it  to 
you?" 


312  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  No,  it  was  the  gift  of  a  friend  who  died  last  winter; " 
and  Di  fled  from  the  presence  of  her  sister,  not  alone  to 
conceal  her  tears,  but  to  escape  further  questioning,  and 
to  recover  her  ebbing  self-control. 

With  the  return  of  Mrs.  Howell  and  Lou,  the  smooth 
flow  of  domestic  enjoyments  in  the  doctor's  home  was 
broken.  Morning  calls,  evening  receptions,  operas,  and 
the  novelties  of  dress,  engrossed  the  thoughts  and  the 
largest  part  of  the  time  of  the  ladies,  and  were  the  themes 
for  conversation  at  his  table  and  fireside,  only  when,  with 
rare  and  gentle  tact,  Di  could  introduce  reading  and  music, 
and  the  doctor  could  manage  to  bring  forward  some  sub- 
ject of  national  interest.  But,  happily  for  all,  Lou's  visit 
was  only  for  a  month.  She  was  summoned  to  join  her 
husband  in  Washington  for  politic  reasons  ;  he  had  failed 
to  secure  a  colonel's  commission,  and  had  entered  upon  a 
campaign  of  office-seeking,  where  his  wife's  influence  could 
be  made  available.  For  the  promotion  of  her  own  ambi- 
tious desires,  and  because  intrigue  was  congenial  to  her 
nature,  she  used  all  her  arts  and  accomplishments  to  ob- 
tain a  position  for  Arthur ;  and,  assisted  by  Ralph  Good- 
enow's  money,  and  the  efforts  of  the  Hapgoods,  and  the 
young  man's  pleasing  address  and  apparent  abandonment 
of  those  vices  which  had  conquered  him  in  Paris,  he  was 
again  restored  to  public  favor,  and  Lou  gained  what  she 
most  coveted  —  popular  admiration  and  the  entree  to  fash- 
ionable circles. 


HIDDEN    SPRINGS.  313 


CHAPTER    XXXIII. 

HIDDEN     SPRINGS. 

"  O,  Hero  !  what  a  hero  hadst  thou  been, 
If  half  thine  outward  graces  had  been  placed 
About  thy  thoughts,  and  counsels  of  thy  heart !  " 

"  Friendship  is  constant  in  all  other  things 
Save  in  the  office  and  affairs  of  love." 

SHAKESPEARE. 

IT  is  not  pleasant  to  know  that  the  waves  of  life  are 
often  crested  with  muddy  impurity;  that  a  vigorous  and 
beautiful  blossoming  hedge  sometimes  encloses  a  barren 
waste  or  a  noxious  growth  of  weeds;  and  that  a  fair  exte- 
rior and  polished  behavior  often  conceal  treachery,  vanity, 
envy,  and  crime. 

While  Louise  Goodenow  was  making  her  extraordinary 
beauty  of  person,  grace  of  manner,  and  accomplishments 
available  for  political  purposes  and  for  self-aggrandize- 
ment, she  did  not  forget  Horace  Metcalf's  punishment. 
She  had  as  nearly  loved  him  as  a  supremely  selfish  and 
coldly  calculating  nature  could  love,  and  had  most  cer- 
tainly coveted  his  wealth,  and  a  connection  with  his  hon- 
orable family.  Baffled  and  piqued  by  his  indifference  to 
the  charms  she  had  lavishly  displayed  for  his  benefit,  dis- 
appointed and  wounded  by  the  man  she  had  married,  the 
germs  of  good  in  her  heart,  which,  fostered  by  the  tender 
dews  and  soft  sunshine  of  love,  might  have  yielded  fruit 
worthy  of  womanhood,  had  been  choked  and  warped  by 


314  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

untoward  influences,  until  base  and  ignoble  passions  had 
become  the  mainspring  of  her  life.  Horace  Metcalf,  now 
a  regimental  surgeon,  quartered  at  the  capital,  known 
to  be  a  man  of  wealth,  culture,  and  good  birth,  was  a  wel- 
come guest  in  the  few  families  where  he  sometimes  sought 
relaxation  from  his  wearing  duties ;  and  Louise,  with  her 
artful  intriguing  and  the  eclat,  of  Ralph  Goodenow's  wealth  ? 
was  floating  high  on  the  tide  of  fashionable  favor,  and  could 
not  fail  to  meet  her  former  Hanthrop  friend.  Stephen's  in- 
timate association  with  him  favored  a  renewal  of  their  old 
friendship,  and  Louise  had  suddenly  conceived  a  remark- 
able fondness  for  her  half-brother,  and  such  an  interest  in 
his  pursuits,  that  her  elegantly  attired  figure  was  some- 
times seen  walking  through  the  hospital  wards  by  his  side. 
She  always  dropped  in  quite  accidentally,  to  learn  if  her 
brother  or  Horace  had  received  letters  from  home,  or  to 
solicit  the  attendance  of  one  or  the  other  to  some  concert 
or  reception.  "  Not  that  I  need  to  beg  for  an  escort,"  she 
would  say,  with  a  timidly  conscious  and  winning  smile, 
"but  I  want  to  know  that  you  have  an  hour's  wholesome 
recreation."  She  could  refer,  with  a  wonderful  imitation 
of  pathos  and  emotion,  to  the  good  old  days  when  she  was 
satisfied  with  the  simple  pleasures  of  Hanthrop,  and,  with 
a  tender  little  sigh,  regret  that  Paris  had  created  such  a 
feverish  thirst  for  novelties,  and  that  Arthur  had  so  many 
engagements,  and  permitted  her  to  rely  so  entirely  on  her 
own  resources  and  her  new  friends  for  amusement. 

And  Horace  Metcalf  listened  and  sympathized  because 
she  was  Diantha's  sister ;  and  for  the  same  reason,  when- 
ever his  conscience  would  permit  him  to  steal  an  hour 
from  the  sober  realities  of  his  profession,  he  was  at  the 
charmer's  side ;  and  she,  blinded  by  vanity,  conceit,  and  an 
exaggerated  estimate  of  her  own  powers  of  pleasing,  im- 
agined the  young  man's  chains  were  securely  riveted. 


HIDDEN    SPRINGS.  315 

"  I  shall  accept  your  presence  at  tins  reception  as  a  per- 
'  sonal  compliment,"  said  Mrs.  Arthur,  one  April  evening, 
when  the  popular  wife  of  a  senator  received  company. 
"  Stephen  came  to  bid  me  good  by  this  morning,  and  he 
told  me  it  was  decided  that  you  would  move  to  the  front 
to-morrow,  and  I  was  trying  to  persuade  myself  that  I 
should  not  be  disappointed  if  I  failed  to  see  you  before  the 
triumphant  return  of  our  troops." 

"My  time  is  very  precious,  but  I  couldn't  leave  Wash- 
ington without  seeing  you  again.  There'll  be  heavy  work 
for  our  men  before  our  brave  young  general  enters  Rich- 
mond ;  and  we  all  need  to  carry  with  us  the  remembrance 
of  some  one's  '  God  bless  you,'  and  I've  come  for  yours, 
Mrs.  Goodenow.  You  are  the  only  one  in  the  city  who 
can  take  back  to  my  mother  and  my  home  such  farewells 
as  cannot  be  written." 

What  sweetness  was  there  in  that  word  home  which 
caused  the  young  man's  lips  to  tremble  and  linger  fondly 
upon  it,  while  the  expression  of  his  face  told  his  artful 
listener  that  his  thoughts  were  far  away  from  his  brilliant 
surroundings !  Her  faultless  toilet,  soft  tones,  and  gra- 
cious manner,  she  for  the  first  time  felt,  had  no  especial 
attractions  for  Horace  Metcalf.  His  keen  and  delicate 
perceptions  and  fastidious  tastes  had  experienced  a  certain 
kind  of  pleasure  and  gratification  in  the  presence  of  her 
beauty  and  while  under  the  spell  of  her  accomplishments. 
He  had  admired  her  much  as  he  would  a  beautiful  paint- 
ing, a  symmetrical  work  of  art,  but  with  no  desire  to  pos- 
sess the  expensive  ornament.  Before  Lou's  marriage,  the 
principal  attraction  for  young  Metcalf  in  Dr.  Howell's  fam- 
ily had  been  the  quiet  Diantha,  as  unconscious  of  her  power 
to  please  as  the  fragrant,  soft-hued  geraniums  which  so  often 
lay  against  her  white  throat;  and  months  before  her  pure 
life  and  sweet  voice  drew  him  towards  the  Redeemer,  whom 


316  DR.    nWELL's    FAMILY. 


she  served  with  such  confident  trust  and  singleness  of 
heart,  he  had  coveted  the  right  to  call  her  his  own  ;  but 
gaining  no  assurance  from  Diantha's  guileless  and  manifest 
pleasure  in  his  society  that  she  could  accept  him  as  the 
guide  and  protector  of  her  future,  and  fearing  if  he  spoke 
of  love  it  might  draw  a  veil  between  him  and  the  friend- 
ship which  was  so  pure  and  rich,  he  had  allowed  the 
months  to  pass,  and  said  nothing  whicli  could  disturb  the 
placid  current  of  the  young  girl's  life.  And  then  the 
clouds  of  civil  strife  gathered  and  broke,  overwhelming 
the  nation  with  new  cares  and  responsibilities;  and  Hor- 
ace Metcalf  heroically  plucked  from  his  heart  all  thoughts 
of  self,  and  went  forth  upon  his  noble  mission  with  no 
sweeter  inspiration  than  love  for  his  country  and  pity  for 
his  fellow-men. 

His  mother's  letters  were  filled  with  praises  of  Diantha, 
and  told  him  of  her  devotion  to  the  soldiers'  families,  her 
gentle  ministrations  in  the  Orphans'  Asylum  ;  aud  dearer 
than  all  other  communications  were  Mrs.  Metcalfs  repeat- 
ed allusions  to  the  friendly  relations  and  associated  work 
of  Diantha  and  herself. 

"You  speak  of  farewells  in  a  tone  that  implies  grave 
apprehensions;  in  fact,  as  if  you  were  a  common  soldier, 
exposed  to  the  sharpest  fire  of  the  enemy,"  said  Louise, 
after  a  minute's  careful  consideration  of  the  most  effective 
way  to  appeal  to  her  companion's  sensibilities. 

"We  are  not  starting  on  a  holiday  excursion,  Mrs. 
Goodenow,  and  I  shall  be  wherever  my  sick  and  wounded 
men  are.  But  while  I'm  conscious  of  the  dangers  and 
vicissitudes  which  are  piled  mountain-high  before  us,  I  re- 
member who  has  promised  us  strength  according  to  our 
needs,  and  my  courage  and  faith  are  equal  to  the  demands 
made  upon  them." 

"I've  often  wondered  why  you  should  choose  to  per- 


HIDDEN    Sl'KINGS.  317 

form  such  menial  services,  as  thousands  would  gl  rdly  re- 
lieve you  of  for  the  snke  of  the  pay,  which,  of  course,  is  an 
unconsidered  trifle  to  you.  I  have  been  seeking  all  winter 
for  the  incentive,  the  inspiration,  but  have  failed  to  dis- 
cover it."  There  was  a  question  in  the  handsome  eyes 
upraised  to  Horace  Metcalf's,  and  as  much  appealing  ten- 
derness in  her  tones  as  a  false,  worldly  heart  could  feel. 

"If  you  have  failed  to  find  sufficient  in  the  needs  and 
perils  of  our  country  to  inspire  a  man,  and  cause  Ibrgetful- 
ness  of  private  interests,  it  will  be  useless  for  you  to  seek 
a  hidden  spring  of  action." 

"  I  have  never  questioned  your  patriotism,  Mr.  Metcalf, 
but  your  way  of  showing  it  has  seemed  to  me  injudicious, 
and  not  in  harmony  with  your  character.  Before  I  went 
abroad  your  tastes  were  esthetic,  and  you  certainly  ap- 
peared to  revel  in  the  luxuries  which  wealth  laid  at  your 
feet;  now  you  are  working  as  if  for  dollars  and  cents, 
when  the  same  work  could  be  done  as  well  without  your 
culture  and  refined  tastes  as  with  them  —  by  hands,  too, 
that  need  the  paltry  government  pay  for  such  labor.  Are 
you  not  unmindful  of  such  hon-ors  as  are  due  to  your  fam- 
ily name?  and  have  you  thought  of  the  desolation  and 
grief  your  death  would  bring  to  your  mother,  and  perhaps 
to  others?" 

"  My  mother  rejoices  that  she  has  a  son  capable  of  ren- 
dering service  in  this  crisis ;  one  who  would 

'  Go  proudly  on  his  way  with  death 
Upon  the  errand  of  Almighty  God.' 

And  as  for  the  aesthetic  tastes  of  which  you  speak,  I  be- 
lieve all  work  is  rendered  effectual  in  proportion  to  the 
intelligence  and  culture  which  are  brought  to  bear  upon 
it.  If  there  are  those  who  could  perform  the  work  me- 
chanically for  pay  which  I  do  for  love,  my  conscience 


318  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

would  not  permit  me  to  sit  in  contented  ease  while  others 
were  toiling,  neither  could  I  enjoy  the  harvest  if  my  hands 
had  not  assisted  in  the  gleaning." 

"You  have  accepted  such  trite  and  sentimental  ideas  of 
philanthropy  as  to  make  me  think  you  must  have  been  a 
pupil  of  Dr.  Howell.  Perhaps  you  have  studied  with  my 
pretty  Quaker  sister?" 

The  question,  the  look,  the  voice  revealed  to  Horace 
Metcalf  what  his  faith  in  woman's  purity  and  single-rnind- 
edness  would  long  have  prevented  him  from  seeing  —  the 
jealousy  of  Louise,  her  supreme  selfishness,  and  her  love 
of  conquest,  as  well  as  her  desire  to  disparage  Diantha. 
There  suddenly  rose  a  cloud  of  witnesses  in  the  shape  of 
artfully-clothed  hints,  carelessly-dropped  words,  and  play- 
fully sarcastic  descriptions  of  her  sister's  employments, 
which,  at  the  time  they  were  uttered,  failed  to  convey  their 
intended  meaning,  because  of  his  pleasure  in  the  brilliant 
conversational  powers  of  Louise,  and  his  reverent  love  for 
Diantha.  Many  things  which  his  own  integrity  and  the 
preoccupation  of  his  thoughts  had  prevented  him  from  in- 
terpreting were  now  unmasked  before  him,  and  pity  and 
SOITOW  for  the  beautiful  woman,  mingled  with  his  disap- 
pointment in  finding  beneath  so  fair  a  surface  such  muddy, 
bitter  springs,  caused  him  to  stand  silent  and  confused  in 
her  presence. 

"You  must  pardon  me,  Mr.  Metcalf,  if  I  have  spoken 
with  seeming  irreverence  of  your  mission,  and  of  my  step- 
father's narrow  ideas,  and  Diantha's  obedient  and  me- 
chanical imitation  of  them.  My  nature  is  impulsive  and 
tropical,  and  reaches  out  spontaneously  for  the  beautiful 
and  luxurious  pleasures  of  this  world,  and  yearns  for  in- 
telligent sympathy  and  companionship,  while  my  sister  is 
practical  and  self-reliant.  Her  heart  never  craves  any 
sweeter  or  nearer  ties  than  bind  her  to  the  Bonsecour 


HIDDEN    SPRINGS.  319 

Home  or  the  Orphans'  Asylum.  She  asks  for  no  more 
Cultivated  companionship  than  she  can  find  in  the  Jenks 
family,  no  higher  intellectual  enjoyment  than  Mr.  Dins- 
more's  threadbare  sermons,  and  no  more  elevating  pursuits 
than  house-keeping  and  needle-work." 

"  Let  me  assist  you  in  recalling  some  of  Miss  Howell's 
accomplishments.  She  has  a  sweet  voice,  clear  and  musi- 
cal both  in  singing  and  reading.  She  converses  on  many 
scientific  and  historical  subjects  with  a  readiness  that  sur- 
prises me ;  and  I  have  seen  a  few  crayon  and  water-color 
sketches  which  were  executed  by  her  hand  with  rare 
delicacy." 

"O,  yes;  Di  has  some  talent.  She  sings  church  music 
very  well,  and  makes  herself  familiar  with  such  literary 
themes  as  interest  the  doctor,  and  she  uses  her  brush  as  a 
copyist  with  mediocre  skill ;  but  she  has  no  ambition,  and 
her  nature  is  sadly  deficient  in  the  emotional  element. 
Stephen  tells  me  she  has  had  a  platonic  or  religious  in- 
terest in  a  poor,  crippled,  uneducated  sea-captain,  whom 
she  helped  nurse  at  the  Bonsecour  two  years  ago.  Most 
mercifully  and  fortunately,  however,  for  the  credit  of  our 
family,  the  captain  died  at  sea.  She  wears  a  pearl  ring 
which  he  gave  her,  and  most  likely  would  have  married 
him,  if  she  had  been  told  that  her  arm  would  save  him  the 
use  of  a  crutch.  No  tenderer  sentiment  will  ever  warm 
poor  Di's  cold  heart." 

An  artistically  modulated  sigh  followed  these  false  in- 
fc.nuations,  and  then  the  tender,  lambent  light  of  her  eyes 
rested  on  Horace  Metcalf 's  face,  while  she  sought  to  learn 
if  the  leaven  were  working,  if  the  thorn  had  pierced. 

He  had  heard  from  Stephen  of  Captain  Ashmead's 
death,  and  the  friendly  relations  that  existed  between  him 
and  the  doctor  and  Diantha ;  and  though  for  a  minute  he 
might  be  pained  by  Mrs.  Arthur's  version  of  the  story, 


320  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

his  sober  second  thought  was,  that  a  woman  like  Diautha 
Howell  could  rise  above  the  discipline  of  sorrow,  and  again 
open  her  heart  to  such  gracious  and  revivifying  influences 
as  Heaven  might  send. 

"  Excuse  me,  Mrs.  Goodenow,  if  I  cannot  join  in  a  longer 
discussion  of  Miss  Howell's  character  in  such  a  crowd; 
but,  in  justice  to  my  friend,  I  must  say,  she  seems  as  far 
removed  from  the  picture  you  have  drawn  as  an  intelli- 
gent, helpful,  large-hearted  Christian  woman  is  from  a 
soulless  lump  of  clay." 

"  I  shall  not  take  this  time  to  undeceive  you ;  it  would 
be  cruel  to  rob  you  of  an  ideal,  when  you  have  wilfully 
thrust  from  you  so  much  that  is  tangible.  My  residence 
in  Paris  has  probably  colored  and  liberalized  my  ideas  of 
society;  and  yet  I  have  always  preferred  a  woman  with 
human  frailties  to  an  automaton,  whose  acts  were  per- 
formed with  a  chilling  exactness.  I  used  to  think  there 
was  much  harmony  in  our  opinions,  but  I  have  returned 
from  the  Old  World  to  find  change  written  'on  everything 
in  my  native  land  —  even  on  you.". 

"I  am  changed,  Mrs.  Goodenow;  for  whereas  I  once 
walked  blindly  *  the  primrose  path  of  dalliance,'  now  I 
tread  firmly,  and  with  the  clear  vision  of  faith,  the  straight 
road  to  a  glorious  goal.  Two  years  ago  I  thought  only 
of  making  the  delights  of  this  world  minister  to  my  selfish 
wants;  now  I  desire  to  be  the  instrument  of  hope  and 
healing  to  others.  I  have  another  engagement  with  the 
officers  of  our  regiment  this  evening,  and  must  say  good 
by.  For  the  sake  of  old  memories,  if  at  any  time  you  need 
a  friend,  please  command  my  services." 

"  Thank  you !  There  are  so  many  who  claim  the  pre- 
rogatives of  friendship,  so  many  who  esteem  it  an  honor  to 
serve  me,  I  shall  be  most  unlikely  to  require  any  sacrifice 
of  you."  And  with  a  courteous  but  formal  farewell,  Horace 


HIDDEN    SPRINGS.  321 

Metcalf  passed  out  from  the  artificial  glitter,  out  into  the 
soft  air  of  the  April  night,  with  a  great  pity  in  his  heart, 
and  a  wonder  how  two  women  nursed  at  the  same  foun- 
tain and  reared  at  the  same  fireside  could  be  so  unlike ; 
while  Louise  Goodenow,  with  a  haughty  curl  of  her  lip 
and  a  dangerous  light  in  her  eye,  answered  the  rallying 
questions  of  Colonel  James,  who  approached  her  side  as 
soon  as  Metcalf  left. 

"  Why  so  triste  —  do  you  ask  ?  Because  I  find  only  sen- 
timental philanthropy  where  I  looked  for  strength,  vigor, 
and  manly  courage.  I  have  over-estimated  a  friend,  and 
the  awakening  from  my  delusion  is  not  pleasant." 

Perhaps  for  the  first  time  Louise  was  conscious  that  her 
beauty  and  blandishments  had  failed  to  win ;  that  Horace 
Metcalf  had  seen  the  falsehood  and  artifice  beneath  her 
gilded  armor.  She  was  foiled,  and  for  the  hour  humiliated, 
but  not  repentant. 

"  Surely  no  one  can  afford  such  a  disappointment  better 
than  you,  the  number  of  whose  admirers  is  legion,"  an- 
swered Colonel  James,  with  that  suavity  and  flattery  in  his 
tones  and  eyes  which  are  so  deceptive  and  alluring  to  vain, 
weak  souls.  "  I  have  come  to  ask  for  my  friend,  Major 
Rushton,  an  English  officer,  an  introduction  to  your  lady- 
ship, whom  he  is  pleased  to  call  the  handsomest  woman  he 
has  seen  in  America." 

The  smile  of  triumph  returned  to  Louise  Goodenow's 
lips  and  eyes,  the  winning  graciousness  to  her  words  and 
manners;  and  before  the  budding  spring  had  blossomed  into 
summer,  she  was  playing  a  game  with  such  absorbing  in- 
terest as  to  exclude  from  her  thoughts  all  regret  for  Horace 
Metcalf. 

Mrs.  Howell  managed  to  spend  the  winter  in  Hanthrop 
with   tolerable   comfort,  looking    forward,   as   shp   wrote 
Louise,  "to  a  month  in  Washington,  which,  after  much 
21 


322  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

careful  managing  on  my  part,  the  doctor  has  promised 
me.  I  have  shown  him  the  necessity  for  a  change,  and  that 
anxiety  to  see  you  and  Stephen  is  wearing  on  my  health 
and  spirits.  Working  for  the  Sanitary  Commission  has 
become  a  perfect  mania  in  our  city  this  winter,  and  as  Mrs. 
Metcalf  and  some  of  our  most  stylish  and  wealthy  ladies 
have  spent  nearly  all  their  time  in  getting  up  fairs,  one  may 
say  they  are  the  fashion,  and  of  course  I've  thrown  my  in- 
fluence on  the  popular  side.  Gentlemen  have  been  present 
at  our  evening  gatherings,  and  some  one  has  read  aloud, 
and  there  has  been  ample  opportunity  for  showing  off 
tasteful  dress ;  so  that,  on  the  whole,  I've  not  suffered  as 
much  from  ennui  as  I  feared  I  might,  though  I've  been 
obliged  to  make  such  sacrifices  as  can  only  be  appreciated 
by  sensitive  and  refined  natures." 


LEAVE-TAKING.  323 


CHAPTER    XXXIV. 

LEAVE-TAKING. 

"'Lo,  this  is  the  man  that  made  not  God  his  strength,  but  trusted  in  the  abun- 
dance of  hia  riches,  and  strengthened  himself  in  his  wickedness.'* 

"  I  ne'er  heard  yet 

That  any  of  these  bolder  vices  wanted 
Less  impudence  to  gainsay  what  they  did, 
Than  to  perform  it  first." 

SHAKESPEARE. 

THREE  times  the  pitying  heart  of  Nature  strove  to  cover 
with  verdure  and  bloom  the  hideous  stains  left  by  war 
upon  the  bosom  of  the  old  earth,  and  the  snows  of  three 
winters  were  sifted  tenderly  upon  the  graves  of  fallen 
heroes,  while  the  members  of  Dr.  Howell's  family  and 
those  intimately  associated  with  them  were  assisting  to 
color  with  their  own  individuality  the  tide  of  life  that 
ebbed  and  flowed  around  them.  During  these  years,  Dr. 
Howell  threw  into  the  broad  channels  of  the  Christian 
and  Sanitary  Commissions  all  the  time,  skill,  and  energy 
which  could  be  spared  from  his  duties  in  Hanthrop.  Mul- 
titudes of  soldiers  still  live  who  are  indebted  to  his  ripe 
judgment,  clear  perceptions,  and  untiring  zeal  for  the 
treatment  which  enabled  them  to  come  through  the  fever 
ward,  or  from  under  the  surgeon's  Iniife,  with  sufficient 
hope  and  courage  to  gather  up  again  the  broken  threads 
of  life. 

Mrs.  Metcalf  and  Diantha  wrought  and  prayed  with 


DR.    HOWELL  S    FAMILY. 

that  sweetness  and  patience  which  are  the  fruits  of  Christian 
charity  and  the  corner-stone  of  woman's  strength. 

Mrs.  Howell  made  herself  conspicuous  at  fairs,  and  at 
all  public  gatherings  for  the  benefit  of  soldiers,  exhibiting 
on  every  occasion  some  becoming  relic  of  her  foreign  tour. 
She  had  such  an  abundant  stock  of  interjections  and  ad- 
jectives for  every  startling  event,  that  no  one  could  doubt 
the  depth  of  her  sympathy,  or  the  genuineness  of  her 
patriotism.  With  her  characteristic  tact  she  managed  to 
break  up  the  monotony  of  home  life  by  winter  visits  to 
"Washington  and  New  York ;  and  in  summer  the  plea  of 
illness,  and  the  imperative  need  of  the  air  and  waters  of 
Saratoga,  generally  prevailed  over  the  doctor's  objections, 
and  secured  for  her  a  few  weeks  of  such  recreations  as 
were  the  substance  of  her  life. 

Ralph  Goodenow's  own  words  will  best  describe  the 
part  he  was  acting  in  the  great  drama. 

"Yes,  doctor,  the  war  has  proved  a  golden  fleece  to 
me.  I  am  netting  from  this  contract  a  clean  five  hundred 
dollars  per  day,  and  am  furnishing  the  government  with  as 
good  cloth  as  any  other  contractor  supplies." 

The  subject  was  distasteful  to  Dr.  Howell,  and  he  gave 
the  man  no  encouragement  to  proceed.  But  Ralph  Good- 
enow's boasting  and  self-conceit  were  not  easily  checked 
by  his  auditor's  cool  indifference. 

"  You  see,  when  I  first  got  an  idea  of  the  magnitude  of 
our  warlike  preparations,  I  hired  several  men  to  canvass  the 
•wool-growing  districts  and  purchase  for  me.  Why,  bless 
you !  within  a  month  after  my  return  from  Paris,  I  had 
men  in  Vermont,  Canada,  Michigan,  and  Wisconsin,  pull- 
ing the  wool  over  the  eyes  of  the  producers,  figuratively 
speaking,  and  filling  my  pockets  with  that  precious  metal 
which  cements  society,  propels  the  great  car  of  progress, 
and  marks  the  dividing  line  between  the  upper  and  lower 
strata  of  civilization." 


LEAVE-TAKING.  325 

Ralph  Goodenow  paused,  glancing  uneasily  at  the  doc- 
tor, whose  clear  eyes  appeared  to  be  reading  the  hidden 
secrets  of  the  speakei's  soul ;  but  not  until  a  direct  question 
obliged  the  doctor  to  answer  did  he  gain  a  response. 

"I take  it  for  granted,  doctor,  that  you've  been  harvest- 
ing in  a  small  way  during  the  war;  that  you  have,  at  least, 
secured  a  competency." 

"I  humbly  trust  'the  blessing  of  the  Lord,  which  mak- 
eth  rich,  is  mine,'  and  that  many  a  poor  soldier  has  gone 
on  his  way  rejoicing  because  of  my  instrumentality ;  but 
I'm  proud  to  acknowledge  that  of  such  tangible  wealth 
as  is  recognized  in  your  world  I  have  less  than  I  had  three 
years  ago.  Every  dollar  of  my  income  that  could  be 
spared  has  been  spent  on  the  soldiers  and  their  families." 
Dr.  Howell  spoke  in  a  tone  that  forbade  any  further  devel- 
opment of  the  way  Ralph  Goodenow  served  his  country 
and  his  own  interests.  The  meeting  between  the  two 
men  was  accidental,  and  was  made  as  short  and  formal 
by  the  doctor  as  civility  would  permit.  The  speculator 
had  two  or  three  private  sources  of  income  that  he  did 
not  speak  of  so  freely  as  he  did  of  his  army  contracts; 
but  notwithstanding  the  shrewdness  and  secrecy  with 
which  he  furnished  blockade-runners  with  supplies,  there 
came  a  time  when  he  was  conscious  of  being  suspected 
and  watched  by  Federal  detectives.  He  managed  to 
evade  the  officers  and  escape  by  steamer  to  England, 
where,  with  his  accomplished  son-in-law,  he  continued  to 
deal  in  fancy  stocks ;  but  his  peculiar  vocation  made  a 
change  of  name  so  frequent  and  imperative  that  to  follow 
his  uncertain  fortunes  further  would  be  almost  as  tedious 
and  disgusting  as  the  records  of  a  police  court.  Appar- 
ently retribution  sometimes  fails  to  overtake  a  man  ii> 
this  life;  but  Ralph  Goodenow  and  his  son  found  that  "he 
that  pursueth  evil  pursueth  it  to  his  own  death."  For 


326  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

nearly  three  years,  Arthur's  tact  and  polished  exterior  con- 
cealed his  dissipation,  his  neglect  of  official  duties,  and  his 
embezzlement  of  public  funds;  but  one  fatal  day,  when 
his  intellect  was  so  stupefied  with  whiskey  that  he  could  not 
frame  plausible  excuses,  his  dishonesty  was  suspected,  his 
true  character  unmasked.  He  was  arrested ;  but  for  want 
of  sufficient  evidence  against  him,  his  crimes  did  not  re- 
ceive their  just  recompense.  He  was  removed  from  office, 
and  his  intimate  connection  with  the  gambling  fraternity, 
coupled  with  fears  that  more  positive  proofs  of  his  defal- 
cations might  descend  upon  him,  made  a  sudden  exit  from 
"Washington  necessary.  He  left  a  brief  note  upon  the 
dressing-table  of  his  handsome  wife,  explaining  the  rea- 
sons for  his  abrupt  departure,  and  telling  her  that  "  his 
profligacy,  his  infidelity  to  his  marriage  vows,  and  his  wil- 
ful abandonment  of  her,  would  be  sufficient  causes  to  pro- 
cure her  a  divorce  from  him.  Neither  judge  nor  jury 
would  require  further  testimony  than  his  own  written  and 
voluntary  confession." 

Mrs.  Howell  was  in  Washington  at  the  time  of  the  ar- 
rest ;  and  so  speedily  did  Arthur's  absconding  follow  this 
event,  that  its  disclosure  had  not  startled  the  gay  world 
when  Louise,  returning  with  her  mother  from  a  brilliant 
reception,  read  the  contents  of  the  note. 

For  a  single  minute,  surprise,  pain,  and  chagrin  palsied 
her  tongue  and  blanched  her  cheeks. 

"  "What  is  it,  Lou  ? "  asked  Mrs.  Howell,  approaching 
her  daughter,  and  holding  out  both  hands,  as  if  to  pre- 
vent the  trembling  woman  from  falling.  "I  never  saw 
you  so  agitated  before.  "What  has  happened  ?  " 

"Read  that ;"  and  Louise  tossed  towards  her  mother  the 
perfumed,  crested  sheet  of  note  paper  abstracted  from  her 
own  desk  by  the  heartless  writer  of  the  withering  words. 

"How  absurd!     'Tis  a  cruel  joke  —  no  sane  man  would 


LEAVE-TAKING.  327 

eliminate  himself.  Arthur  is  only  punishing  you  for  be- 
ing so  agreeable  to  other  gentlemen — as  if  you  could  help 
being  admired  ! "  and  Mrs.  Howell,  with  all  her  knowledge 
of  Arthur's  weakness  and  wickedness,  really  believed  him 
incapable  of  deserting  her  fascinating  daughter. 

"  No !  there  is  at  least  truth  in  this  note.  I  have  long 
suspected  him  as  guilty  of  almost  every  crime  forbidden 
in  the  decalogue.  The  most  generous  act  he  has  ever  com- 
mitted is  the  leaving  me  now,  without  another  attempt  to 
dnig  me  down  to  his  miserable  level." 

"  O,  Lou,  we  are  ruined !  I  can  never  show  myself 
after  your  'disgrace  is  made  common  talk." 

"  Please  remember  I'm  not  disgraced.  No  one  will  dare 
neglect  or  punish  me  for  the  sins  of  a  man  who  has  been 
my  husband  only  in  name.  I  have  maintained  my  position 
in  the  best  circles  here  without  any  aid  from  him,  and, 
thank  fortune,  I'm  still  able  to  do  so.  It  seems  nothing 
has  been  proved  against  him ;  and  the  defalcation  and  ab- 
sconding will  scarcely  be  a  nine  days'  wonder  at  this 
crisis,  when  every  week  some  new  and  thrilling  event 
startles  us." 

"  But  what  shall  we  do?  We  can't  possibly  go  to  Mad- 
am Devins's  ball  to-morrow  night,  and  I've  had  my  pearl- 
colored  satin  altered  and  retrimmed  on  purpose  to  wear." 

"  We'll  go  to  the  ball  with  the  Hapgoods  as  if  nothing 
had  occurred  ;  and  after  I've  shown  the  world  that  a  man's 
desertion,  cowardice,  and  crimes  cannot  rob  me  of  my 
spirit  nor  my  charms,  then  I'll  go  into  a  convent,  while 
lawyers  are  taking  necessary  steps  for  my  divorce." 

"  You  are  half  crazed,  dear  child,  with  the  suddenness 
of  the  shock,  and  don't  know  what  you  are  talking  about ; 
but  for  goodness'  sake  don't  mention  the  word  convent 
again  in  my  hearing.  You  are  shivering  with  cold.  Let 
me  help  you  imdress,  and  then  I'll  ring  for  a  hot  whiskey 
or  brandy  punch.  Which  shall  it  be  ?  " 


328  DK.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  I've  no  choice ;  order  what  you  like.  I'm  not  cold, 
but  I've  lost  control  of  my  nerves  and  my  temper ;  and  I 
realize  for  the  first  time  how  dangerous  I  can  be  when 
thwarted  and  angered.  This  revelation  of  Arthur's  crimes 
is  not  unexpected,  but  I  didn't  mean  he  should  have  the 
satisfaction  of  leaving  me.  It  has  been  my  intention  for 
six  months  to  procure  a  divorce  from  him,  because  I  have 
become  thoroughly  convinced  that  no  amount  of  influence 
or  money  could  keep  him  for  any  length  of  time  in  an 
honorable  position.  Don't  speak  of  this  disagreeable  sub- 
ject again  to-night,  mamma.  I  want  time  to  think  my 
plans  over  calmly  before  discussing  them." 

And  the  mother,  imperious  and  dictatorial  as  she  was  to 
all  others,  bent  in  silence  before  the  defiant  beauty,  and 
assisted  her  trembling  fingers  to  unclasp  the  jewels  and 
delicate  laces,  to  doff"  the  paraphernalia  of  an  exquisite 
evening  toilet,  mixed  with  her  own  hand  the  spiced 
whiskey  punch,  and  when  she  saw  its  benumbing  effects 
stealthily  creeping  into  Lou's  passionate  eyes,  she  sought 
her  own  couch,  more  earnestly  wishing  for  the  soothing 
presence  of  Diantha,  and  the  wise  counsel  of  her  husband, 
than  ever  before.  Sleep  was  a  stranger  to  her  eyelids ; 
not  because  she  was  dismayed  at  Arthur's  ejection  from 
office,  or  shocked  with  the  multitude  and  heinousness  of 
his  crimes,  —  neither  did  she  recognize,  as  a  sensitive  and 
conscientious  soul  would,  her  daughter's  part  in  the  trage- 
dy, —  but  because  she  was  doubtful  what  verdict  the  fash- 
ionable clique  in  which  she  moved  would  render  in  this 
case ;  how  far  she  and  Lou  could  again  participate  in  its 
pleasures.  The  loss  of  caste  was  to  her  a  greater  calamity 
than  the  blight  of  sin.  The  morning's  light  found  both 
ladies  astir  much  earlier  than  their  wont.  Louise  made  a 
particularly  careful  and  dainty  toilet;  and  excepting  a 
slight  pallor  in  her  face,  and  an  added  brilliancy  to  her 


LEAVE-TAKING.  329 

eyes,  there  was  nothing  in  her  quiet,  determined  manner 
to  indicate  the  betrayal  of  her  confidence,  or  the  wreck  of 
her  domestic  happiness.  Perhaps  neither  confidence  nor 
happiness  had  been  adjuncts  of  the  marriage  so  summarily 
broken. 

Mrs.  Howell  looked  worn,  and  at  least  ten  years  older 
than  on  the  previous  evening.  The  seed  she  had  sown 
was  bearing  bitter  fruit,  but  there  was  no  escaping  from 
its  touch  and  taste. 

"  I  have  already  written  and  sent  a  note  to  Major  Rush- 
ton,  mamma.  He  will  come  as  soon  as  he  has  breakfasted, 
and  I  must  see  him  alone."  Lou's  words  and  manner  did 
not  encourage  a  discussion  of  her  affairs  even  with  her 
mothei*. 

"  I  really  wish'  the  doctor  was  here,  Lou.  We  might 
send  a  telegram  to  him  this  morning.  He  would  be  sure 
to  start  as  soon  as  he  heard  we  were  in  trouble." 

"  Yes,  and  advise  me  to  go  back  to  Hanthrop,  and  '  turn 
over  a  new  leaf,'  and  take  Diantha  for  a  pattern  !  I  shall 
not  return  to  my  old  home,  a  deserted  wife,  to  see  com- 
miseration for  my  supposed  grief  and  disgrace  in  the  faces 
of  those  who  have  always  envied  me ;  nor  to  witness  Di's 
triumph  and  connection  with  the  Metcalf's  family." 

"  Di  isn't  engaged  to  Horace ;  and  she  solemnly  assured 
me,  not  a  month  since,  that  he  had  never  asked  her  to  be- 
come his  wife." 

"  Why  does  Mrs.  Metcalf  guard  her  so  zealously,  then, 
if  there's  no  understanding  between  them?  And  why 
has  Di  refused  two  eligible  offers  that  have  come  to  your 
knowledge,  if  she  doesn't  aspire  to  the  honor  of  scattering 
the  Metcalf  property  amongst  her  poor  people?  What 
Horace  can  see  in  such  a  milk-and-water  character  to 
admire  is  beyond  my  comprehension  ;  but  I  suppose  reli- 
gious enthusiasm  makes  a  common  bond  between  them.  I 


330  DR.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

saw  enough  of  their  friendship  during  my  last  visit  in 
Hanthrop  to  assure  me  they  would  marry  as  soon  as  Hor- 
ace has  satisfied  his  conscience  with  hospital  labors.  But 
why  am  I  spending  a  thought  or  a  breath  on  them  when 
my  own  plans  for  the  future  need  revising  ?  I  have  been 
thinking  what  is  the  wisest  course  for  you,  mamma.  You 
had  better  send  for  the  doctor,  and  go  home  with  him,  and 
settle  down  to  a  quiet  domestic  and  religious  life,  as  I 
mean  to  do  if  I  live  to  be  as  old  as  you  are." 

"  Lou,  I  never  expected  to  hear  such  words  from  you ! 
I've  always  been  sure  of  your  sympathy." 

"  And  you'll  always  have  it ;  but  I  really  think  you'll  be 
obliged  to  find  more  of  your  happiness  in  the  doctor's 
home  and  pursuits  hereafter.  I  can  see  a  great  falling 
off  in  your  health  and  your  looks  since  you  went  abroad  ; 
and  as  a  matter  of  taste  and  policy,  'tis  my  opinion  that 
charitable  and  domestic  occupations  are  more  becoming  to 
ladies  of  your  age  than  late  hours,  full  dress,  and  an  anx- 
ious toiling  to  keep  pace  with  the  world  of  fashion.  But 
as  for  me,  I'm  only  twenty-seven,  and  I  don't  mean  to 
allow  any  mishap  to  come  between  me  and  my  enjoyments 
before  I  am  forty ;  after  that  I'll  become  a  Sister  of  Mercy, 
and  rival  Di  in  good  works.  Now  let  us  waive  all  discus- 
sion until  after  we  have  breakfasted,  and  I  have  had  coun- 
sel of  Major  Rushton." 

It  was  evident  to  Louise  that  Arthurs  disgrace  was 
known  to  the  boarders  at  Willard's  when  she  entered  the 
dining-hall,  and  that  the  exclusives  had  not  determined 
how  she  was  to  be  received.  Her  radiant  beauty  did  not 
command  the  usual  involuntary  homage  of  admiring  eyes. 
A  formal  nod  of  recognition  from  some,  a  glanje  of  com- 
miseration from  others,  and  a  curious,  critical  look  from 
many  more,  did  not  abash  Louise.  She  talked  and  laughed 
with  her  accustomed  ease  of  manner,  while  her  slightest 


LEAVE-TAKING.  331 

Jone  and  movement  plainly  indicated  that  she  was  ready 
to  brave  ci'iticism  and  censure,  and  that  with  her  own 
personal  accomplishments  and  rare  powers  of  pleasing,  she 
would  maintain  her  position. 

Such  portions  of  Lou's  conference  with  Major  Rushton 
as  she  thought  best  for  her  mother  to  know,  we  will  give 
in  her  own  words :  — 

"I've  taken  the  responsibility,  mamma,  of  sending  a 
telegram  to  Dr.  Howell,  asking  him  to  meet  you  in  New 
York.  My  friend  will  provide  us  an  escort  to  that  city, 
and  as  he  thinks  it  won't  be  politic  or  becoming  to  brave 
public  opinion  just  now,  I've  decided  to  leave  here  to- 
morrow" 

"What!  with  only  a  half  day  to  pack,  and  so  much 
time  to  be  spent  in  dressing  for  Madam  Devins's  ball.  We 
can't  possibly  be  ready  to  start  before  Thursday." 

"  We  shall  not  go  to  the  ball,  and  Phillis  will  help  us 
pack."  Louise  spoke  in  a  tone  that  left  Mrs.  Howell  in 
no  doubt  as  to  the  unchangeableness  of  her  decision ;  and 
the  weak  woman,  with  a  regretful  sigh,  saw  the  coveted 
pleasure  vanish  beyond  her  grasp. 

"  You  will  go  with  me  to  Hanthrop  ? "  she  asked,  in  a 
voice  tremulous  with  fear  and  anxiety. 

"  No ;  I  have  decided  to  go  into  a  convent  in  Montreal 
for  six  months  or  a  year.  Don't  look  so  troubled,  mam- 
ma; I'm  not  going  to  take  the  veil,  but  I  want  entire 
seclusion,  and  the  opportunity  to  rest,  after  five  years  of 
constant  excitement ;  and  what  is  more,  there  is  a  sister 
Theresa  in  the  convent,  who  has  been  called  the  most  ele- 
gant and  scholarly  woman  in  Paris.  I  go  to  reap  the 
benefit  of  her  instructions;  and  meantime,  Major  Rushton 
knows  a  lawyer  who'll  manage  my  divorce  case  without 
any  disagreeable  publicity ;  in  fact,  Arthur's  crimes  virtu- 
ally release  me." 


332  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  Lou,  come  back  to  Hanthrop.  The  doctor  has  said,  a 
hundred  times,  you  should  be  as  welcome  there  as  if  you 
were  his  own  child.  He's  just  and  generous,  and  will 
never  reproach  you,  nor  mention  the  names  of  Ralph  and 
Arthur,  who've  timed  out  even  worse  than  he  prophesied 
they  would.  You  don't  need  the  instructions  of  sister 
Theresa.  You  are  the  most  accomplished  woman  now  I 
ever  met,  and  you  shall  have  all  the  rest  and  seclusion  in 
our  house  that  you  could  find  in  a  convent.  Have  you 
thought  how  barren  life  will  be  to  me  without  you,  and 
without  those  pleasures  we've  enjoyed  together  ?  " 

"  You'll  miss  me,  of  course ;  but  you  have  other  children, 
and  Edna  is  an  entertaining  girl.  You  must  take  an  in- 
terest in  Diantha's  pursuits,  and  give  up  a  few  months  to 
the  doctor's  medical  treatment;  your  health  is  really  need- 
ing attention.  Then  I  fancy  Di  will  be  married  within  a 
year,  and  the  preparations  for  the  wedding  will  divert 
you." 

"  If  you  should  return  with  me,  and  let  it  be  understood 
you  had  sought  a  divorce  from  Arthur  because  of  his  dis- 
honesty, and  should  attend  church,  and  visit  the  chanty 
schools,  and  work  for  the  soldiers,  there's  no  doubt  Horace 
would  soon  be  as  deeply  in  love  with  you  as  ever.  You 
are  more  beautiful  than  you  were  five  years  ago,  and  no 
man  would  marry  Diantha  if  he  could  have  his  choice  be- 
tween you." 

"  Thank  fortune,  the  choice  between  us  is  no  longer  left 
to  Horace ;  that  time  has  long  since  passed.  I  shall  never 
marry  a  religious  enthusiast.  But  now  to  business,  mam- 
ma. We  must  leave  on  the  first  train  to-morrow  morning 
without  good  bys.  When  I  appear  in  Washington  again, 
no  one  will  dare  remember  I  was  ever  a  deserted  wife. 
You  see  I  am  in  excellent  spirits,  and  you'll  be  more  than 
reconciled  to  the  change  in  my  fortunes  before  the  close 
of  the  year." 


LEAVE-TAKING.  333 

Mrs.  Howell  was  not  comforted  by  Lou's  apparent  cheer- 
fulness, and  endeavored,  with  tears  and  entreaties,  to  dis- 
suade her  from  the  execution  of  her  plans.  But  no  —  they 
had  received  Major  Rushton's  sanction,  and  no  arguments 
could  prevail  against  them  —  to  a  convent  she  must  go ; 
and  the  mother  returned  to  her  home,  broken  in  spirit, 
lamenting  her  losses,  and,  as  she  repeatedly  affirmed, 
"  with  nothing  but  the  dull  routine  of  home  to  look  foi 
ward  to." 


334  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 

THE  DOCTOR'S  WABD. 

"  Like  the  swell  of  some  sweet  tune 
Morning  rises  into  noon, 
May  glides  onward  into  June." 

LONGFELLOW. 

WHAT  of  Edna  Shreve  ?  Can  three  years  come  and  go 
without  bringing  to  the  young  girl  an  event  worthy  of  rec- 
ord ?  Was  she  merely  a  passive  member  of  the  doctor's 
household  while  the  summers  budded,  and  blossomed,  and 
left  their  fragrance  in  her  heart  and  their  sunshine  in  her 
eyes  and  on  her  golden  hair  ?  Though  her  presence  was 
as  unobstrusive  as  the  odor  of  pansies,  and  as  soft  as  their 
velvet  petals,  yet  it  was  as  gracious  and  refreshing  as  the 
noiseless,  unseen  dropping  of  the  dew. 

She  has  been  kept  so  long  in  the  shadowy  background 
of  the  family  history  that  she  is  entitled  to  a  separate  page, 
for  the  proper  preservation  of  her  identity.  We  find  her 
at  eighteen  a  dainty  maiden,  with  a  winning  grace  of  man- 
ner, a  nature  sensitive  and  delicate,  responding  impulsively 
to  every  kind,  genial  influence,  and  shrinking  from  the 
slightest  breath  of  harshness.  Her  guilelessness  and  her 
delicate  beauty  throw  around  her  the  charm  of  the  first 
spring  blossoms ;  children  cling  trustingly  to  her,  while  the 
protective  love  of  stronger  souls  is  spontaneously  offered 
her. 

Generous,  confiding,  and  affectionate   is  Edna   Shreve 


THE    DOCTORS    WAED.  335 

and  helpful,  too,  in  her  pretty  way;  one  to  whom  you 
would  turn  for  amusement  in  an  idle  hour,  but  never  seek 
for  solace  and  counsel  when  Diantha  is  near.  Her  singing 
charms  you  while  her  clear,  bird-like  notes  fall  on  your 
*>ar ;  but  you  do  not  carry  its  echo  in  your  heart,  and  link 
tvith  it  the  sacred  associations  of  your  past :  it  lacks  the 
depth,  the  richness,  the  soul  of  Diantha's  music.  One  is 
like  the  rippling  of  a  capricious  brook ;  the  other  like  the 
grand  harmony  of  ocean  waves.  In  character,  Edna  is  like 
the  clinging,  graceful,  white-blossomed  clematis ;  Diantha 
like  the  combination  of  summer's  rarest  flowers.  One  is 
like  a  spring  morning;  the  other,  lacking  none  of  the  fresh- 
ness, perfume,  and  sunshine  of  the  spring,  adds  to  it  the 
richer  beauty,  the  deeper  melody,  of  summer.  One  is  sat- 
isfied with  romance,  poetry,  music,  and  whatever  appeals 
to  the  sensibilities ;  the  other,  even  more  appreciative  of 
the  graces  of  literature,  delves  patiently  beneath  the  flow- 
ering fields  for  the  precious  metals. 

It  must  not  be  supposed  Edna's  sweet  life  was  permitted 
to  glide  on  through  the  years  that  witnessed  such  mighty 
throes  of  a  nation  with  nothing  to  disturb  its  current. 
Her  blue  eyes  kindled  and  overflowed  when  hope  and  fear 
alternately  swept  their  thrilling  messages  up  and  down  the 
telegraphic  wires ;  her  color  was  brighter,  and  her  smiles 
more  capricious  and  tender,  when  Stephen's  short  furloughs 
brought  a  health-giving  ai*oma  to  the  doctor's  quiet  fireside ; 
and  it  was  a  fact  that  did  not  escape  the  keen  eyes  of  his 
lady.  Mrs.  Howell  would  have  been  untrue  to  almost  every 
instinct  of  her  nature  had  she  not  opposed  the  doctor's 
plans  for  the  protection  and  education  of  Edna.  Scarcely 
a  month  passed  that  she  did  not  make  the  girl's  residence 
in  their  family  a  sort  of  hostage  for  the  procuring  of  her 
own  selfish  pleasures.  If  Edna  had  not  been  ornamental 
and  unobstrusive,  and  in  a  multitude  of  ways  useful,  her 


336  DB.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

presence  would  have  been  a  bone  of  contention  in  the  fam- 
ily that  not  even  the  doctor's  grace  and  forbearance  could 
have  withstood;  and  his  ward,  knowing  intuitively  that 
her  presence  was  barely  tolerated  by  Mrs.  Howell,  wisely 
continued  to  make  her  sunny  chamber  a  "  city  of  refuge," 
as  it  was  when  Diantha's  love  first  ornamented  its  walls 
with  pictures,  filled  its  windows  with  flowering  plants,  and 
its  shelves  with  the  books  of  her  favorite  authors. 

"'Tis  quite  time  Edna  should  be  earning  her  own  living, 
doctor,"  Mrs.  Howell  remarked  one  morning,  when  every 
other  source  of  domestic  difference  had  been  paraded. 
"She  is  eighteen  now,  and  prepai-ed  to  teach  French, 
music,  and  the  common  English  branches.  Mrs.  Carlos 
Hapgood  is  wanting  just  such  a  young  lady  as  a  governess 
for  her  only  daughter,  and  she'll  do  well  by  an  amiable, 
competent  person.  I  answered  her  letter  of  inquiry  yester- 
day, and  recommended  your  orphan  ward.  'Tis  a  situa- 
tion Edna  should  be  very  thankful  to  obtain  in  these  hard 
times." 

"  O,  mamma,  she's  still  so  child-like,  so  timid  and  de- 
pendent, and  so  dear  to  us  all !  don't  think  of  sending  her 
to  strangers,"  exclaimed  Diantha,  with  an  appealing  look 
towards  her  father. 

"  One  of  the  principal  reasons  why  she  should  leave  us 
is,  because  she  is  so  dear  to  one  member  of  the  family," 
Mrs.  Howell  answered.  "You  must  have  observed  Ste- 
phen's infatuation  during  his  last  furlough ;  and  I  deter- 
mined, before  the  impressible  boy  had  another  holiday,  to 
remove  the  loadstone  that  draws  him  from  the  camp  and 
hospital." 

"Mary,  I  saw  in  Stephen's  manner  only  brotherly  regard. 
He  teases  Edna  and  frolics  with  her  as  if  she  were  still  a 
child. "  His  work  is  much  too  serious  and  absorbing  to  allow 
his  fancy  or  his  affections  to  take  deep  root."  The  doctor's 


THE  DOCTOR'S  WAKD.  337 

voice  and  manner  were  calm  and  dignified,  and  in  marked 
contrast  to  his  lady's. 

"You  judge  Stephen  by  yourself;  work  and  books  have 
always  been  sufficient  for  your  nature,  but  my  boy  has  in- 
herited enough  of  my  disposition  to  want  to  gild  the  reality 
of  life  with  a  little  romance  and  sentiment.  Love  will  be 
as  necessary  to  him  as  to  me." 

This,  to  the  doctor,  was  'rather  a  novel  presentation  of 
Stephen's  inherited  traits ;  but  he  withheld  comment, 
and  Diantha  ventured  to  make  another  appeal  for  her 
pupil. 

"  Edna  is  so  much  at  home  with  us,  mamma,  and 
appreciates  your  tastes  so  well,  and  reads  and  sings  so 
sweetly,  and  I  feel  so  easy  and  happy  to  leave  her  with 
you  when  I  am  writing  for  father,  that  really  I  don't  know 
how  we  can  manage  without  her." 

"  Just  as  well  as  we  did  before  her  advent  into  the  fam- 
ily, though  I'm  willing  to  admit  she's  an  amiable,  obliging 
girl,  and  accomplished,  too.  She  has  made  good  use  of  the 
advantages  we  have  given  her,  and  I  shall  miss  her  reading 
and  singing ;  but  I  am  ready  to  make  a  sacrifice  of  my 
comforts  for  the  sake  of  her  future  happiness." 

"  But  if  you  could  be  convinced  that  Stephen  has  only 
a  brother's  interest  in  her,  you  would  let  her  remain  here 
until  he  is  discharged  from  army  service  ?  " 

"  No ;  because  it  would  injure  Edna  to  remain  longer  in 
idleness.  She  must  have  a  profession,  and  something  to 
depend  on.  She's  a  sensible  girl,  and  old  enough  to  know 
that  her  position  is  a  false  one  —  treated  as  if  she  were  a 
daughter  in  the  family,  when  she's  an  orphan  whom  nobody 
knows  anything  about.  I  have  been  honest  in  my  dealings 
wiih  her,  and  have  shown  her  that  I  regarded  her  only  as 
a  dependent  and  an  incumbrance.  Then,  in  right  schools 
girl  fashion,  Edna  already  thinks  she's  in  love  with  Ste- 
22 


338  DE.    HOWELL  S   FAMILY. 

phen ;  and  unless  she's  sent  off  immediately  where  she 
cannot  see  him,  and  will  not  hear  his  acts  discussed  daily, 
this  fancy  will  become  a  reality,  and  may  sadly  blight 
the  poor  girl's  life."  A  stranger  to  Mrs.  Howell  would 
naturally  have  inferred  from  her  tones  that  she  had  a  com- 
passionate interest  in  Edna's  welfare. 

"  Mary,  have  you  thought  that  if  Stephen  has  more  than 
a  brother's  regard  for  Edna,  this  sending  her  forth  alone 
into  the  world  will  strengthen  it  ?  Thinking  of  her  as 
lonely  and  unprotected  will  rouse  the  tenderness  and  love 
of  his  manly  character,  which  might  slumber  if  he  remem- 
bered her  only  as  Daisy's  sister  and  pupil.  But  if  the 
young  people  are,  as  you  suppose,  inclined  to  fall  in  love, 
why  throw  any  hinderances  in  their  way  ?  Edna  is  accom- 
plished, amiable,  and  true ;  and  Stephen  is  energetic,  in- 
telligent, and  brave.  I  cannot  imagine  a  more  desirable 
union  of  mental  characteristics." 

"  You  are  as  unpractical  and  impolitic,  doctor,  as  if  you 
were  just  beginning  life.  You  need  to  be  reminded  that 
Stephen  will  have  only  the  income  of  a  profession,  and 
that  Edna  is  a  penniless  waif.  What  folly  it  would  be 
for  our  son  to  marry  your  ward,  when  he  can  select  a  wife 
from  the  most  wealthy  and  accomplished  young  ladies  in 
our  city,  and  enlarge  his  sphere  of  usefulness  by  a  connec- 
tion with  some  influential  family !  Edna's  pretty  face  and 
graceful  manners  may  possibly  attract  some  one  who  won't 
mind  her  lack  of  money.  I  look  upon  Mrs.  Hapgood's  ap- 
plication to  me  as  a  providential  opening  for  Edna,  and 
you  may  as  well  prepare  her  for  the  change  at  once.  I'm 
resolved  not  to  be  thwarted  in  my  purposes  this  time, 
doctor." 

Mrs.  Howell  paused  and  looked  around  with  an  air  that 
expressed  willingness  to  brave  any  amount  of  opposition. 
But  the  doctor  saw  she  must  not  be  contradicted ;  that 


TIIK    DOCTOR'S    \VAHD.  339 

every  soothing  remedy  must  be  used  to  allay  her  nervous 
irritation ;  and  he  said,  quietly  to  Diantha,  — 

"You  may  leave  arrangements  for  Edna's  future  with 
me ;  and  if  your  mother  feels  strong  enough  to  ride,  you 
had  better  go  out  with  her.  Mrs.  Metcalf  will  expect  to 
see  you  before  the  day  is  over.  She  reached  home  with 
Horace  by  the  late  train  last  evening." 

"  Have  you  seen  them  ?  "  Diantha  asked,  with  an  eager 
juestioning  in  her  eyes  and  a  quick  flushing  of  her  face. 

"  I  was  telegraphed  to  meet  them  at  the  depot.  Horace 
endured  the  journey  wonderfully,  and,  considering  the  na- 
ture of  his  wound  and  his  great  loss  of  blood,  he  is  doing 
well.  I  saw  him  again  at  seven  this  morning,  and  have  no 
doubt  home  comforts,  rest,  and  nursing  will  bring  him  up 
in  a  few  weeks." 

"Don't  speak  of  wounds  before  me,  doctor!  If  you 
could  know  how  my  sensitive  nerves  feel  the  jar  of  such 
disagreeable  subjects,  you  would  keep  them  from  me.  You 
needn't  make  any  arrangements  for  me  to  ride  ;  as  I'm  not 
in  the  mood  for  going  out,  neither  you  nor  Di  will  be 
obliged  to  sacrifice  any  of  your  precious  time  on  an  invalid. 
I  am  going  to  economize  my  strength  for  Mrs.  Blossom's 
party  this  evening." 

"  Mary,  let  me  entreat  you  again  to  abandon  your  prepa- 
rations for  this  party.  You  are  not  strong  enough  to  en- 
dure the  fatigue  and  excitement  of  dressing  and  meeting 
friends." 

Dr.  Howell  spoke  earnestly,  and  there  was  gentle  per- 
suasion in  the  hand  which  he  laid  caressingly  on  her  hair. 

"  The  excitement  is  just  what  I'm  needing  to  rouse  me. 
I  haven't  been  to  a  party  for  six  months,  —  not  since  my 
dear  Lou  went  with  me  in  Washington,  —  and  I'm  really 
pining  for  something  outside  of  home.  As  for  strength, 
no  one  knows  better  than  I  do  how  much  can  be  endured 


340  DK.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

when  the  mind  is  diverted  and  interested.  You  know 
Mrs.  Blossom  is  very  select  in  her  invitations:  we  shall 
meet  there  only  the  cream  of  society ;  and  it  would  be 
foolish  to  neglect  such  an  opportunity  for  showing  our 
style.  The  preparations  won't  fatigue  me,  as  my  peach- 
colored  satin  is  all  ready  to  wear.  Don't  say  another  word, 
doctor,  unless  you  want  to  see  me  as  ill  as  I  was  last  week, 
when  you  first  opposed  my  going  to  this  party." 

The  doctor  certainly  did  not  crave  another  hysterical 
scene,  and  he  knew  it  was  useless  to  reason  with  her; 
therefore,  without  more  words,  he  left  her  to  try  the  effect 
of  laces,  flowers,  ribbons,  and  jewels  against  the  peach- 
colored  satin,  which  had  remained  in  ignoble  seclu/iofa 
since  Lou's  abrupt  retirement  from  the  gay  world. 

"Dear  father,  what  can  we  do  for  Edna?"  asked  Di« 
antha,  following  the  doctor  from  the  room.  "  She  mus4/  not 
go  to  the  Hapgoods.  I've  heard  mamma  and  Lou  tell 
about  their  style  and  their  fast  living  till  I  have  sickened 
with  disgust.  Mrs.  Hapgood  goes  to  the  races,  and  bets, 
and  plays  cards,  and  lives  in  a  constant  whirl  of  excite- 
ment." 

"  One  plan  only  has  occurred  to  me :  Edna  must  be  sent 
to  her  Mends  in  Holly  ville  for  the  present ;  and  then,  if 
Mr.  Osborne  accepts  the  professorship  which  has  been 
offered  him  in  our  scientific  academy,  she  can  have  a  home 
with  them,  and  be  near  us.  Let  me  give  you  a  text,  Daiwyj 
whicL  must  be  our  solace  until  the  way  is  made  clear  be 
fore  us>  —  'Because  Thou  hast  been  our  help,  therefore  in  thfe 
shadow  of  Thy  wings  will  I  rejoice.' " 

And  a  few  hours  later  the  doctor  and  his  daughter  stood 
face  to  face  with  a  sorrow  which  but  for  their  uuquefi  lion- 
ing  trust  in  His  love  and  mercy  whose  "right  hard  upliold- 
eth  us,"  must  have  fallen  with-  a  crushing  we'ght  upon 
their  hearts. 


THE   DOCTOR'S    WARD.  341 

Diantha,  returning  from  Mrs.  Metcalf's  in  the  waning 
light  of  the  October  day,  with  a  rare  eoutent.uent,  and  a 
new,  strange  happiness  thrilling  the  pulses  of  her  being, 
went  directly  to  her  mother's  chamber. 

"  Am  I  late,  mamma  ? "  she  called,  seeing  her  mother 
arrayed  in  the  peach-colored  satin,  but  sitting  motionless 
before  a  table  covered  with  ornaments  and  the  accessories 
to  a  full-dress  toilet ;  and,  coming  forward,  she  bent  to 
press  her  accustomed  salutation  on  her  mother's  face  — 
alas !  no  longer  the  handsome,  haughty,  self-assured  face 
which  glowed  with  determined  will  when  last  turned  to- 
wards her  daughter,  but  purple,  distorted,  with  glaring 
eyes  and  open  mouth.  The  crimped  and  puffed  hair,  the 
flashing  jewels,  fresh  flowers,  and  delicate  laces  looked 
strangely  defiant  of  the  unexpected  guest  whose  heavy 
hand  had  arrested  the  preparations  for  display.  It  was  not 
sleep,  and  it  was  not  death  that  had  crept  so  stealthily  into 
the  lady's  boudoir,  as  Diantha  almost  instantly  perceived. 
She  neither  fainted  nor  called  for  help,  but  knelt  by  the 
silent,  motionless  figure,  and  assured  herself  that  the  heart 
still  beat  in  muffled  throbs ;  then,  flying  to  Edna's  room, 
she  sent  her  for  Dr.  Howell,  and,  returning,  with  tender 
hands  she  unloosed  the  satin  robe  and  the  jewels,  unbound 
the  artificial  plaits,  puffs,  and  crimps  of  hair,  and  sought 
such  stimulants  and  appliances  as  she  knew  her  father 
would  require,  controlling  her  grief  and  her  tears  because 
of  the  necessity  to  act. 

"  O,  Daisy,  it  has  come  ! "  exclaimed  the  doctor,  lifting 
the  Btricken  woman  to  a  couch ;  and,  kneeling  by  her  side, 
he  laid  his  ear  against  her  heart. 

"  What  has  come  ?  "  asked  Daisy. 

"What  I  have  feared  for  many  months,  and  with  all 
my  skill  have  tried  to  avert,  God  knows !  'Tis  paralysis ; 
and  doubtless  this  letter  contains  the  last  provoking  blow 
to  the  poor,  over-excited  brain." 


342  DR.  FIOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  O,  father,  she  must  speak  to  us  again !  She  parted 
from  us  almost  in  anger  this  morning,  and  I  came  to  her 
room  with  such  happy  thoughts  to-night,  because  at  last 
I  had  something  to  tell  that  would  please  her." 

"  We  will  work,  and  pray,  and  trust  to  God  for  help, 
Daisy ;  but  we  mustn't  permit  grief  to  overpower  us  for  a 
single  minute." 

And  not  until  the  long  hours  of  that  night  had  wit- 
nessed the  doctor's  most  untiring  efforts  to  revive  that 
cold  and  insensible  form,  did  he  steal  a  minute  to  discover, 
if  possible,  the  nature  of  the  blow  which  fell  with  such 
benumbing  power. 

It  was  a  letter  from  Louise;  and  as  the  doctor  read  it 
with  a  heart  full'  of  sorrowing  love  for  his  wife,  he  ex- 
claimed aloud,  "'Tis  just  such  a  harvest  of  tares  as  must 
naturally  spring  from  the  seeds  sown." 

The  daughter's  own  words  will  best  portray  her  supreme 
love  of  self  and  the  color  of  her  moral  code. 

.  "  DEAR  MAMMA  :  You  won't  be  surprised  to  know  that 
I'm  married  to  Major  Gilbert  Rushton,  because  you've  long 
been  aware  of  his  love  and  admiration ;  but  you  will  be 
disappointed  because  you  were  not  summoned  to  the  cere- 
emony.  It  was  strictly  private,  and,  in  truth,  not  such  a 
ceremony  as  our  church  would  sanction,  for  reasons  which 
you  had  better  hear  from  me.  Gilbert  has  a  wife,  hope- 
lessly insane,  as  a  certificate  from  his  family  physician 
assures  me.  She  is  in  an  asylum,  where  he  provides  her 
with  every  luxury  and  comfort.  Insanity  is  not  a  sufficient 
cause  for  divorce  in  England ;  therefoi'e,  as  we  could  not 

•  be  lawfully  married,  we  met  in  the  convent  chapel,  and,  in 
the  presence  of  sister  Theresa  and  Colonel  Mildmay,  a 
friend  of  Gilbert,  we  knelt  before  the  shrine  of  the  virgin 


THE  DOCTOR'S  WAKD.  3 13 

Mary,  and  promised  eternal  fidelity  to  each  other.  Gilbert 
put  a  ring  on  my  finger,  calling  me  wife  in  the  presence  of 
two  witnesses.  The  scene  was  very  solemn  and  impres- 
sive; and  I  am  as  entirely  satisfied  as  if  the  chief  justice 
had  sanctioned  the  ceremony,  the  pope  had  read  the  mar- 
riage service,  and  the  bishop  had  pronounced  a  benedic- 
tion. Major  Rushton  has  retired  from  service,  and  is  very 
wealthy,  owns  a  large  estate  in  Devonshire,  and  has  settled 
upon  me  fifty  thousand  dollars.  We  shall  spend  the  larger 
part  of  our  time  in  the  south  of  Europe ;  and  when  we  are 
at  home  in  England,  our  wealth,  our  accomplishments,  and 
our  style  will  secure  to  us  the  society  of  such  liberal  souls  as 
are  lifted  above  mere  forms.  Please  don't  worry  about  me, 
mamma;  I'm  in  excellent  health  and  spirits.  You  shall 
hear  from  me  sometimes;  but  it  is  not  likely  we  shall  meet 
again,  unless  you  cross  the  ocean  to  see  me ;  and  you  know 
I  have  advised  you  to  cultivate  the  domestic  graces  for  the 
future.  When  you  receive  this,  I  shall  be  in  a  steamer 
bound  for  Liverpool,  twenty-four  hours'  sail  from  New 
York.  My  travelling  suit  of  pearl-gray  poplin  is  wonder- 
fully becoming ;  and  Gilbert  is  both  proud  and  fond  of  me, 
and  I  really  believe  I  love  him.  The  doctor  and  Di  will 
be  terribly  shocked  when  they  hear  how  I  am  united  to 
Gilbert ;  but  never  mind :  I  was  born  to  create  a  sensation. 
Affectionately,  your  daughter, 

LOUISE  G.  RUSHTON." 


344  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

THE  ANGELS  OF  LIFE  AND  DEATH. 

"  Whom  first  we  love,  you  know,  we  seldom  wed; 
Time  rules  us  all.    And  life,  indeed,  is  not 
The  thing-  we  planned  it  out  ere  hope  was  dead." 

"  Much  must  be  borne  which  it  is  hard  to  bear; 
Much  given  away  which  it  were  sweet  to  keep." 

SIR  BULWER  LTTTON. 

WHAT  was  the  "  something  to  tell "  which  Diantha  sor- 
rowed because  her  mother's  benumbed  senses  could  not 
rejoice  in?  Will  the  knowledge  that  a  new  joy  was 
springing  from  the  ashes  of  a  buried  hope  stain  one  thread 
of  the  white  web  woven  by  her  pure  hands  ? 

Would  you  rather  our  Daisy  should  walk  singly  the  path 
through  life  because  in  the  first  blush  of  its  morning  God 
had  thrown  around  her  the  sanctity  of  a  great  sorrow? 
had  removed  the  strong  arm  and  wise  heart  on  which  she 
had  timidly  dared  hope  she  might  one  day  lean  ?  If  any 
of  our  readers  think  a  quiet,  trusting,  self-reliant  nature, 
like  our  heroine's,  would  be  more  true  to  the  higher  and 
purer  instincts  of  womanhood  if  she  closed  her  heart  to 
the  gently  persuasive  voice  of  love  at  its  second  coming, 
and  rested  content  with  the  echo  of  that  far-away  dream, 
they  may  leave  this  page  of  her  history  unread. 

Many  months,  even  years,  drifted  back  into  the  eternal 
past  after  Captain  Ashmead's  pearl  ornamented  Diantha's 
fair  hand,  while  she  performed  with  cheerful  earnestness 
and  might  whatever  Providence  gave  her  to  do,  thinking 


THE    ANGELS    OF    LIFE    AND    DEATH.  345 

the  blessings  of  God's  poor  would  compensate  for  the  loss 
of  those  sweei  joys  and  duties  which  sanctify  and  crown  a 
woman's  life. 

Had  not  the  fragment  of  a  shell  spent  its  last  fury  on 
Horace  JVletcalf  as  he  attended  an  ambulance  filled  with 
the  wounded  from  the  battle-field,  and  sent  him  home  pale, 
and  haggard,  and  suffering,  Diantha  might  possibly  have 
lived  many  years,  believing  that  only  friendship  for  the 
brave  man  quickened  and  thrilled  the  current  of  her  life  at 
the  mention  of  his  noble  deeds ;  that  only  friendship  lent 
a  charm  to  his  conversation  and  attentions  which  all  others 
lacked.  But  the  first  sight  of  his  worn  face  told  her  ques- 
tioning heart  that  had  the  shell  proved  the  message  of 
death  to  her  friend,  the  light  of  her  life  would  have  been 
wrapped  in  heavier  clouds  than  she  had  yet  known. 

Perhaps  the  hungry,  long-waiting  soul  of  Horace  Met- 
calf  saw  help,  and  peace,  and  h'fe  in  the  blushing,  conscious 
face  of  Diantha,  whose  hand  his  mother  held  as  she  ap- 
proached his  couch.  Be  that  as  it  may,  the  prostrate  man 
found  confidence  in  the  extremity  of  his  need  to  say  what, 
in  the  pride  and  glory  of  his  strength,  had  often  trembled 
on  his  tongue,  and  as  often  had  been  choked  back,  in  fear 
lest  his  love  should  fail  to  awaken  an  answering  note  in 
the  heart  he  coveted. 

"  Daisy !  now,  indeed,  I  am  at  home,  and  I  thank  God 
for  the  sight  of  your  dear  face,"  were  his  first  words  after 
Mrs.  Metcalf  made  an  excuse  to  leave  the  room;  and  both 
his  hands  were  stretched  out  in  eager  welcome,  and  in  his 
eyes  a  tenderer  language  shone  than  could  be  written. 
Her  father's  pet  name  sprang  spontaneously  to  his  lips 
with  the  tide  of  love  that  could  no  longer  be  repressed, 
and  his  simple  utterance  of  the  word  "Daisy"  was  freight- 
ed with  a  meaning  which  made  further  revelations  unne- 
cessary to  the  maiden.  In  the  supreme  joy  and  gladness 


346  DR.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

of  knowing  she  was  loved  by  one  who  had  shown  himself 
so  true,  and  noble,  and  worthy  a  woman's  trust,  she  made 
no  effort  to  conceal  what  she  knew  would  be  to  him  not 
alone  rest,  and  solace,  and  healing,  but  inspiration  and 
courage.  So,  with  a  stammering  tongue  and  dyed  cheeks, 
she  simply  said,  — 

"  Horace,  I  know  now  if  you  had  not  lived  to  come  back 
to  us,  my  days  must  have  been  very  dark,  and  my  work 
heavy  and  wearisome." 

"Shall  I  give  that  meaning  to  your  words  which  my 
selfishness  yearns  to  ?  Shall  I  dare  hope  that  after  five 
years  of  waiting,  and  trusting,  and  loving,  God  has  given 
me  the  desire  of  my  soul?"  asked  Horace,  with  an  inten- 
sity that  showed  how  much  hung  upon  the  answer. 

"  You  may ; "  and  Diantha's  bowed  head  and  dropping 
tears  finished  the  sentence  more  eloquently  than  words 
could  have. 

"  My  Daisy,  my  precious  flower! "  What  pride  of  own- 
ership, what  protective  tenderness,  were  concentrated  in 
that  one  possessive  pronoun  !  "  I  ani  richly  rewarded  for 
years  of  waiting ; "  and  the  trembling  hand  that  touched 
with  a  caress  and  a  blessing  the  beautiful  golden  brown 
hair,  the  broken  voice  that  so  humbly  thanked  her  for  the 
gracious  hope,  brought  to  Diantha  sweet  compensation  for 
the  silence  and  dearth  that  succeeded  the  burial  of  her 
first  girlish  love.  Accepting  that  sorrow  as  a  heavenly 
discipline,  it  had  deepened,  and  purified,  and  developed 
her  character,  so  that  her  second  love  was  correspondingly 
stronger,  more  intense,  complete,  and  self-forgetful  than 
the  first,  as  the  ingrafted  fruit  is  sweeter,  richer,  and  larger 
than  the  natural  growth  of  the  tree. 

Walking  home  in  the  mellow  light  of  the  autumn  day 
with  a  more  conscious  blush  upon  her  cheeks  than  the 
maples  wore,  a  purer  radiance  in  her  brown  eyes  than 


\ 

THE    ANGELS   OF   LIFE    AND   DEATH.  347 

gleamed  on  the  golden  and  amethyst  clouds  of  the  sunset, 
a  richer  perfume  in  her  heart  than  the  breath  of  the  ripen- 
ing grain  and  purple  grapes,  Diantha  thought  only  of  that 
"something"  which  would  at  last  satisfy  her  mother,  and 
met  on  the  very  threshold  of  her  new  happiness  the  shadow 
of  the  death-angel's  wings. 

There  are  many  families  whose  unwritten  history  would 
reveal  depths  of  pathos,  tragedy,  and  heroism ;  homes 
where  a  patient,  long-suffering  mother  watches  over  an 
infirm  child,  or  conceals  the  imbecility  of  one  who  is 
"  bone  of  her  bone  and  flesh  of  her  flesh  ; "  where  the  idol 
of  the  hearth-stone  goes  astray,  and  though  his  name  is  a 
forbidden  sound,  yet  tender  yearnings  and  agonized  prayers 
follow  him,  and  in  the  darkness  and  silence  of  night  there 
are  tears  enough  shed  to  wash  the  black  stains  of  guilt  from 
his  soul,  had  a  mother's  tears  vicarious  power. 

Many  wives,  with  an  heroic  sacrifice  of  self,  conceal  with 
tender  artifice  and  watchful  love  the  short-comings  of  men 
whom  they  have  promised  to  honor  —  await  in  fear  the 
uncertain  step,  the  possible  blow,  and  the  cruel  word, 
while  no  ear  but  God's  hears  the  wail  of  the  disappointed 
heart,  and  none  but  the  Eternal  Eye  sees  the  unloosed 
fountain  of  tears.  Many  women  live  whose  names  are 
worthy  of  record  on  history's  most  honored  page,  but 
their  acts  of  tenderness,  courage,  and  devotion  are  so  un- 
obtrusive, so  carefully  shielded  by  the  intensity  and  deli- 
cacy of  their  love,  that  the  perfume  of  their  heroic  .lives  is 
confined  to  their  humble  homes. 

Very  few  of  those  who  partook  of  Dr.  Howell's  hospital- 
ities, and  found  strength  in  his  counsels  and  inspiration,  in 
the  genial  flow  of  his  conversation,  —  who  saw  the  serenity 
of  Diantha's  face,  and  listened  to  the  indescribable  pathos 
and  sweetness  of  her  voice,  and  felt  the  blessing  of  her 
gentle  presence,  —  imagined  that  a  home  where  wisdom, 


348  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

beauty,  and  harmony  joined  hands  could  contain  a  skeleton, 
a  thorn  that  sometimes  pierced  beneath  the  panoply  of 
grace  and  chanty  worn  by  the  doctor  and  his  daughter. 
A  few  might  suspect  the  deep  rivers  of  peace  within  their 
souls  were  sometimes  stirred,  and  that  it  was  not  an  angel 
who  had  troubled  the  waters ;  but  none  could  know  what 
a  turbid  tide  had  to  be  met  beneath  that  roof,  nor  with 
Vha&:  patience  and  tender  love  it  was  held  in  check. 

Diantha  had  need,  during  the  winter  that  so  darkly 
closed  in  upon  that  golden  October  day,  of  all  the  inspira- 
tion, sweetness,  and  strength  which  the  knowledge  of 
Horace  Metcalf's  love  added  to  her  life;  dreary  months 
of  patient  watching  by  an  invalid's  couch  were  relieved 
and  brightened  by  the  sympathy  and  devotion  of  her 
friend.  The  terrible  blow  which  so  suddenly  revealed  to 
Mrs.  Howell  the  perishable  nature  of  this  world's  fashions 
did  not  immediately  open  the  gates  of  the  Eternal  and  In- 
visible to  her  clouded  vision. 

When  partial  consciousness  returned  to  her  benumbed 
senses,  most  mercifully  the  memory  of  Lou's  letter  was 
buried  beneath  the  wreck.  The  larger  part  of  her  past  life 
was  as  completely  blotted  from  her  mind  as  were  ever  the 
feeblest  footprints  in  the  sand  washed  out  by  the  inflow- 
ing tide. 

Deprived  of  the  power  to  move  from  her  couch,  her  in- 
tellect weakened,  and  her  temper  rendered  more  fitful  and 
captious  than  before  the  shock,  she  tested  most  thoroughly 
tho  forbearance  and  love  of  her  husband  and  daughter. 

It  was  no  longer  asked  under  Dr.  Howell's  roof,  "  What 
shall  be  done  with  Edna?"  but  scarcely  a  day  passed  that 
some  one  did  not  exclaim,  "How  could  we  live  without 
her?" 

If  she  had  been  a  reed  swayed  by  the  gentlest  breath 
while  the  s  veet  May  of  her  life  was  bright  with  blossoms 


THE    ANGELS    OF   LIFE    AND    DEATH.  349 

sunshine,  now  that  sorrow  and  care  brooded  in  tbe 
hearts  of  those  who  had  shielded  and  loved  her,  there  were 
found  beneath  her  delicate  beauty,  and  her  rippling,  bird- 
like  joy  ousu  ess,  endurance,  devotion,  and  self-reliance. 

There  seemed  no  end  to  her  winsome  little  devices  for 
amusing  the  invalid,  maintaining  the  cheerful  aspect  of  the 
home,  and  securing  to  the  doctor  and  Diantha  leisure  for 
their  accustomed  pursuits. 

As  the  winter  wore  away,  it  was  evident  to  her  friends 
tnat  Mrs.  Howell's  strength  was  declining,  that  "  the  silver 
cord"  was  loosing  its  hold.  Her  temper  was  less  capri- 
cious, her  spirit  was  softened,  and  there  were  occasional 
hours  when  the  clouds  seemed  lifting  from  her  intellect, 
when  she  appeared  grateful  for  the  love  that  anticipated 
her  wants. 

These  slight  manifestations  of  a  better  spirit  were  hailed 
by  the  doctor  and  Diantha  with  inexpressible  thankfulness, 
and  abundantly  rewarded  them  for  their  days  and  nights 
of  watchful  devotion. 

Dr.  Howell,  coming  one  evening  to  his  wife's  room,  and 
finding  Edna  amusing  her  with  scraps  of  poetry,  snatches 
from  the  opera,  and  favorite  old  ballads,  and  observing  on 
the  invalid's  face  unwonted  attention  and  appreciation, 
took  her  hand,  saying,  — 

"  Mary,  what  a  blessing  this  little  girl  has  grown  to  be ! " 

"Yes,  she  is  a  help  and  a  blessing,"  answered  Mrs. 
Howell,  slowly,  but  with  a  clearer  light  in  her  eyes  than 
had  shone  in  them  for  many  months. 

"  Am  I  really  a  help  ?  "  Edna  asked,  timidly. 

"  You  are  a  great  help,  and  have  been  very  forgiving  in 
your  attentions  to  me." 

The  invalid's  speech  was  broken  and  stammering,  but  it 
evinced  more  tender  emotion  for  the  orphan  than  ehe  had 
shown  in  health. 


350  DK.  HO  WELL'S  FAMILY. 

"  You  are  better  this  evening,  Mary  ?  "  asked  the  doctor, 
sitting  down  by  her  couch,  and  drawing  her  head  tenderly 
against  his  shoulder ;  but  the  question  had  hardly  escaped 
his  lips  when  he  saw  the  heavy  shadows  of  the  last  great 
change  creeping  slowly  over  her  features. 

"I  am  better.  It  seemed  as  though  a  heavy  weight 
rolled  off  my  brain  when  Edna  was  singing.  My  dear  Lou 
used  to  sing  that  air.  Have  I  been  long  sick  ?  " 

"  You  were  prostrated  in  October ;  'tis  now  the  last  of 
March."  Mrs.  Howell  had  never  mentioned  Lou's  name 
during  her  illness ;  and  no  wonder  the  doctor  was  startled, 
and  Diantha  came  forward  and  knelt  by  the  couch,  while 
Edna  crept  softly  behind  the  window  draperies  to  conceal 
her  tears.  "Lou  has  not  been  heard  from  since  October?" 
she  asked  again,  after  a  minute's  silence. 

"  Yes ;  but  you  were  so  ill  we  thought  it  better  not  to 
disturb  you  with  the  letter.  It  came  last  December.  Lou 
was  well,  and  was  spending  the  winter  in  Paris." 

"  Ah !  It  has  all  come  back !  That  miserable  Paris  has 
been  the  cause  of  all  my  sorrow.  My  false  pride  has 
ruined  my  child." 

"  My  dear  wife,  try  and  leave  your  sorrows  and  burdens 
with  One  who  knows  well  how  to  measure  your  tempta- 
tions and  your  weakness.  Think  only  of  the  tender  mer- 
cies with  which  God  has  crowned  your  days." 

"I  believe  I  should  not  be  so  unmindful  of  my  duties, 
nor  so  neglectful  of  your  wishes  and  of  om  children,  if  I 
could  take  my  place  in  the  world  again.  Let  me  see 
Lou's  letter." 

Dr.  Howell,  holding  the  cold  hand  of  his  wife,  noting 
the  ebbing  pulse  and  the  purple  shadows,  knew  the  un- 
veiling of  her  intellect  was  but  the  prelude  to  a  sleep  from 
which  there  would  be  no  awakening  on  this  side  the  dark 
valley,  and  that  news  from  her  daughter  could  not  harm 
her  now. 


THE    ANGELS   OF   LIFE    AND   DEATH.  351 

"  Bring  the  letter,  Daisy,"  he  said  to  the  patient  daugh- 
ter, who  still  knelt  silent  and  tearful  by  her  mother's  side. 
But  when  the  letter  was  brought  to  the  dying  woman,  she 
only  touched  it  with  her  lips,  and  placed  it  beneath  her 
pillow. 

"  Tell  Lou  I  forgave  her ;  that  my  whole  life  was  a  mis- 
take ;  that  I  died  praying  God  to  forgive  me,  and  to  turn 
her  heart  from  the  follies  I  taught  her  to  love.  O,  Stephen, 
you  once  loved  me ;  and  you've  always  been  patient  and 
generous.  Write  to  my  poor  child  and  save  her,  if  it  is 
not  too  late  ! " 

"  I  will  do  all  for  her  that  human  strength  and  love  can 
do ; "  and  the  doctor  sealed  his  promise  with  a  kiss  upon 
those  lips  which  had  so  rarely  opened  with  tenderness  for 
any  but  Louise,  and  which  would,  soon  be  insensible  to 
love's  pressure. 

"  Come  nearer,  Daisy.  'Tis  too  late  now  for  me  to  tell 
you  that  I've  always  been  aware  of  your  goodness  and 
your  patience,  and  have  been  secretly  glad  because  you 
were  like  your  father,  though  I  was  too  proud  to  ac- 
knowledge it.  You  will  be  his  help  and  comfort.  It  is 
too  late  for  me  —  too  late  ! " 

"  Mary,  dear  wife,  it  is  never  too  late  for  Christ's  love  to 
reach  us,  for  His  blood  to  cleanse  us!  Trust  Him  now." 

"  I  have  sinned  against  great  light,  and  I'm  afraid  'tis 
too  late." 

"  Wait  on  the  Lord,  be  of  good  courage,  and  He  shall 
strengthen  thine  heart,"  the  doctor  quoted,  with  a  trem- 
bling voice ;  and  then  for  a  few  minutes  only  the  breath  of 
silent  prayer  was  wafted  from  the  sorrowing  souls  who 
watched  the  ebbing  life-flood. 

"Tell  Stephen  I  loved  him,  out  my  pride  and  my 
worldly  ambition  came  between  me  and  all  that  might 
have  sweetened  my  life  and  softened  my  heart.  I  shall 
never  see  him  again.  Am  I  dying,  doctor  ?  " 


352  DK.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

Only  a  closer  pressure  of  the  cold  hand  and  a  more 
lingering  kiss  upon  her  cheek  could  the  doctor  give  in 
answer. 

"  Do  you  forgive  me,  husband  ?  " 

"  As  freely  as  I  hope  God,  for  Christ's  sake,  will  forgive 
us  both." 

"  For  Christ's  sake !  There  are  comfort  and  rest  in  that 
sound.  Pray  that  my  repentance  may  not  be  too  late." 

Is  it  ever  too  late  for  an  appeal  to  reach  that  Infinite 
Love,  which,  forgetful  of  the  height,  depth,  and  breadth  of 
agony  that  overwhelmed  His  soul,  could  breathe  words 
which  come  down  through  eighteen  centuries  of  change, 
bearing  the  same  hope  and  healing  as  when  they  touched 
the  crucified  malefactor  with  the  glad  news,  "  To-day  shalt 
thou  be  with  Me  in  Paradise  "  ?  which  sees  the  repentant 
sinner  while  yet  he  is  a  great  way  off,  and  enfolds  him  in 
arms  of  mercy? 

Dr.  How  ell  and  Diantha  believed  in  God's  omnipotent 
readiness  to  save,  and  that  belief  upheld  and  comforted 
them  during  the  silent  watches  of  the  night ;  and  when  the 
dying  woman  exclaimed,  "  Tell  Lou  it  was  not  too  late ; 
God  has  heard  your  prayers  for  Christ's  sake ! "  there  was 
a  note  of  gi'ateful  joy  mingled  with  the  wail  of  grief,  as  both 
became  conscious  that  death  had  forever  sealed  the  lips  of 
that  erring  wife  and  mother. 


CONCLUSION.  353 


CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

CONCLUSION. 

"  I  count  myself  in  nothing  else  so  happy 
As  in  a  soul  remembering  my  good  friends 
And  as  my  fortune  ripens  with  thy  love, 
It  still  shall  be  thy  true  love's  recompense.'1 

SHAKESPEARE. 

SIMPLY  writing  to  Louise  did  not  satisfy  Dr.  Howell ; 
though  a  letter,  couched  in  the  tenderest  terms,  containing 
her  mother's  last  message  and  the  most  carefully  expressed 
counsel,  with  assurances  that  his  house  and  protection 
should  still  be  her  refuge,  was  despatched  as  soon  as  sor- 
row permitted  him  to  use  his  pen.  But  the  spirit  of  his 
pi'omise  to  his  dying  wife  required  something  more  —  an 
effort  that  could  not  be  so  easily  thrust  aside  as  could 
written  words. 

To  see  this  wayward  woman,  whose  soft,  infantile  beauty 
appealed  almost  as  strongly,  twenty-five  years  before,  to 
the  doctor's  large  heart,  as  did  the  graces  of  her  young, 
widowed  mother,  was  now  an  absorbing  thought  with 
him.  The  memory  of  those  discordant  noies  that  had 
jarred  the  harmony  of  his  domestic  life,  of  the  cold  selfish- 
ness that  had  clouded  his  home,  was  softened  by  the  sanc- 
tifying touch  of  death,  and  buried  in  the  grave  of  the 
woman  whose  charms  had  first  opened  his  heart  to  the 
supreme  joy  and  blessedness  of  forgetting  self  in  love  for 
another  —  only  the  sacredness  and  beauty  of  his  ideal  re- 
mained: the  doctor  could  not  taKe  up  contentedly  his 
23 


354  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

beneficent  mission  of  healing  until  his  own  heart  had  parta- 
ken of  that  sacrament  which  the  fulfilment  of  love's  last 
solemn  trust  brings.  But  not  until  the  rejoicing  soul  of  the 
nation  poured  out  its  glad,  triumphal  song  of  welcome  to 
the  returning  dove,  not  until  above  the  troubled  waves  of 
war  an  Ararat  appeared  on  which  our  hopes  could  rest, 
did  Dr.  Howell  dare  take  the  time  to  redeem  his  pledge. 

"  Daisy,  what  should  hinder  us  now  from  sailing  in  the 
Hibernia,  the  last  of  this  month  ?  "  asked  the  doctor,  one 
June  day,  when  the  old  earth's  gladness  rippled  in  waves 
of  bloom,  and  a  soft  mantle  of  green  shrouded  Mrs.  How- 
ell's  grave,  and  peace,  and  hope,  and  faith  were  the  guests 
of  those  hearts  that  had  watched  and  sorrowed  with  such 
patient  love. 

"  Nothing  should  keep  you  from  enjoying  a  holiday  now, 
father ;  and  surely  nothing  would  please  me  better  than  to 
go  abroad  with  you,  if  it  were  not  for  the  work  that  would 
be  left  undone.  I  suppose  we  may  look  for  Horace  and 
Stephen  almost  any  day ;  and  I  want  to  make  their  return 
as  joyous  as  possible,  to  compensate  them  for  some  of  the 
self-denials  and  hardships  of  the  last  four  years.  Since 
you  first  spoke  to  me  about  making  this  tour,  I  have  looked 
at  the  plan  on  all  sides,  and  have  decided  that  the  claims 
of  Horace,  Stephen,  and  Edna  are  paramount  to  every- 
thing else." 

"You  have  made  just  that  decision  which  I  might  have 
known  your  constant  thought  for  others  would  lead  you 
to;  but  new  claims  have  arisen. since  I  last  talked  with 
you.  I  received  letters  this  morning  from  Horace  and 
Stephen ;  their  regiments  have  been  discharged,  and  we 
may  expect  them  home  in  a  few  days.  Horace  wishes  to 
spend  the  summer  and  autumn  in  Europe,  because  his 
health  has  suffered  from  exposure  and  his  wounds." 

"  Why  didn't  he  tell  me  ? "  asked  Diantha,  breaking  in 


CONCLUSION.  355 

upon  her  father's  narration  with  an  eagerness  and  anxiety 
in  her  tones  that  betrayed  glimmerings  of  her  love. 

"  Because,  Daisy,  he  cannot  leave  you  to  go  in  search 
of  rest  and  recreation,  and  his  delicate  thoughtfulness  will 
not  permit  him  to  ask  you  to  accompany  him  as  his  wife 
so  soon  after  your  affliction,  fearing  you  may  make  too 
great  a  sacrifice  of  personal  feeling  for  his  sake.  But  he 
bade  me  ascertain,  as  carefully  as  possible,  your  wishes ; 
and  if  I  think  you  can  reward  his  constancy  now,  I  am  to 
give  him  such  a  hint  as  will  make  the  pleading  of  his  own 
cause  easy.  I  have  already  consulted  Mrs.  Metcalf,  since 
the  reception  of  Horace's  letter,  and  she  thinks  you  are 
needing  the  entire  change  and  the  recreation  of  foreign 
travel  nearly  as  much  as  her  son  does.  She  says  you  will 
not  be  obliged  to  give  any  thought  to  the  usual  bridal 
outfit  and  ceremonies,  and  you  will  have  nearly  three 
weeks  for  preparation.  Daisy,  what  answer  shall  I  make 
Horace?" 

'"Tis  so  soon  after  poor  mamma's  death,"  sobbed  Dian- 
tha,  hiding  her  face  against  her  father's  breast. 

"But,  my  dear  child,  the  most  critical  and  fault-finding 
cannot  charge  you  with  forgetfulness;  and,  moreover,  we 
long  ago  decided  to  let  our  hearts  and  our  consciences 
govern  our  acts,  and  not  the  customs  of  society.  Undue 
mourning  for  those  who  have  passed  beyond  us  cannot 
benefit  them,  and  may  interfere  with  duties  we  owe  the 
living.  I  need  not  remind  you  of  Horace  Metcalf 's  long 
waiting,  his  devotion  and  constancy,  and  his  need  of  your 
love,  and  care,  and  cheerful  society,  now ;  but  I  will  ven- 
ture to  add  weight  to  his  prayers  by  telling  you  I  have 
counted  on  your  direct  personal  power  over  Louise ;  a  sis- 
ter's pleading  tenderness  may  win  her  when  a  step-father's 
entreaties  prove  unavailing.  Stephen  will  go  with  us  to 
pursue  his  medical  studies  in  Paris,  and  Edna  can  remain 


356  DB.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

•with  the  Osbornes,  where  she  is  so  useful  and  so  much 
beloved.  Look  up,  Daisy,  and  tell  me  if  I  shall  summon 
Horace  to  plead  his  own  cause." 

"  It  shall  be  as  you  wish,  father." 

*  No,  Daisy ;  in  such  an  important  crisis  of  your  life, 
'tis  your  wish  that  must  decide  the  question.  Unless  the 
strongest  tide  of  your  heart,  the  purest  instincts  of  your 
nature,  flow  out  spontaneously  towards  Horace,  send  him 
to  Europe  alone.  Don't  mistake  friendship  for  the  love  that 
can  make  such  a  union  pure  and  blessed,  and  don't  let  pity 
for  him,  nor  duty,  nor  regard  for  my  wishes,  color  your 
decision." 

Daisy's  head  was  raised  now ;  and  if  her  hesitation  had 
caused  the  doctor  momentary  anxiety  regarding  the  nature 
of  her  feeling  for  Horace,  all  doubt  vanished  when  he 
glanced  at  the  clear  lines  of  her  face  and  heard  her  low 
confession :  — 

"  I  love  him,  father ;  I  am  honored  by  his  choice ;  and 
it  will  be  my  joy  to  be  his  wife.  I  am  ready  to  sail  for 
Europe  in  three  weeks,  if  he  wishes  it." 

"  Spoken  like  my  own  honest,  single-minded  Daisy,  and 
Horace  will  best  know  how  to  thank  you." 

But  the  doctor  proved  a  false  prophet  so  far  as  the 
young  man's  words  could  be  taken  as  an  expression  of  his 
gratitude;  for  when  he  received  Daisy's  verbal  answer, 
with  her  face  veiled  in  blushes,  the  poverty  of  his  lan- 
guage granted  little  more  than  repeated  exclamations  of,  — 

"  I  can  never  thank  you,  my  Daisy." 

And  then,  three  weeks  later,  the  doctor's  daughter  stood 
upon  the  deck  of  the  Hibernia,  leaning  on  Horace  Metcalfs 
arm  with  such  trustful  love  and  faith  in  her  calm  eyes, 
such  serene  joy  in  her  upraised  face,  as  left  neither  her 
husband  nor  father  in  doubt  as  to  the  fervor  and  purity  of 
a  second  love. 


CONCLUSION.  357 

"  Daisy,  I  have  flared  dream  of  this  day,  when  I  could 
call  you  wife,  when  your  purity  would  draw  me  up  to 
your  heights,"  Horace  Metcalf  said  to  the  woman  whose 
hand  he  held,  and  whom  any  man  might  be  proud  to  call 
by  the  sweetest  of  all  names. 

"  Say,  rather,  when  our  united  love,  and  work,  and  pray- 
ers would  draw  us  both  into  a  purer  air." 

"  If  that  manner  of  stating  the  case  pleases  you,  I  am 
content,  so  long  as  I  feel  the  clasp  of  your  hand  and  know 
your  voice  will  be  my  daily  music,  my  solace  when  weary, 
and  my  inspiration  at  all  times.  You  can  never  know  how 
deeply  I  am  indebted  to  you  for  all  that  is  true  and  worthy 
in  my  life." 

"  You  over-estimate  the  little  I  have  done,  Horace  ;  but 
it  pleases  me  to  know  the  indebtedness  is  not  all  on  my 
side." 

"  Pray  tell  me  what  I  have  done  for  you." 

"  Years  ago  your  conversations  encouraged  me  to  read 
more  extensively  and  accurately,  that  I  might  meet  you 
half  way  in  an  interchange  of  thought ;  and  your  appre- 
ciation of  my  music  stimulated  me  in  attaining  a  higher 
culture  than  my  own  ambition  would  have  sought.  As 
long  ago  as  that  summer  in  Carrhaven  your  friendship 
seemed  an  inestimable  blessing  to  me,  and  during  this  last 
year  your  love  has  helped  me  through  the  severest  disci- 
pline of  my  life." 

Diantha  was  not  wont  to  speak  much  of  herself;  but 
though  a  wife  scarcely  two  hours,  her  new  relations  had 
given  her  confidence. 

"  And  your  words  of  hope  and  love  have  risen  above 
the  din  and  tumult  of  war  —  above  the  groans  of  my 
suffering  men  —  have  sustained  me  through  many  a  strug- 
gle—  and  have  drawn  my  stumbling  feet  into  clearer 
paths." 


358  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

With  one  more  picture  of  our  heroine,  whom  sorrow 
has  chastened,  love  purified,  and  faith  enncbled,  we  must 
leave  the  canvas  to  be  filled  in  with  colors  from  the  read- 
er's fancy. 

In  one  of  the  charming  villas  that  ornament  the  shores 
of  Lake  Lucerne,  Diantha  met  her  half-sister.  Major 
Rushton's  name  was  known  to  the  English  consuls  and 
bankers  in  the  principal  cities  of  Europe,  so  that  Dr.  How- 
ell  had  no  difficulty  in  finding  his  summer  retreat.  Dian- 
tha was  overcome  with  emotion ;  and  the  history  of  their 
mother's  last  hours  fell  from  her  lips  in  broken  sentences 
and  with  a  gush  of  tears,  while  Louise,  with  elegant  com- 
posure, listened  politely,  sighed,  and  once  or  twice  raised 
a  dainty  bit  of  lace  and  cambric  to  her  eyes. 

"  It  was  so  like  poor  mamma  to  think  of  me  till  the  very 
end,"  she  said,  when  her  sister's  narration  was  concluded ; 
"  but  she  might  have  used  her  last  breath  more  happily 
than  in  sending  me  such  dismal  messages.  However,  her 
intent  was  good ;  and  Fin  really  sorry  that  her  life  looked 
so  dwarfed  to  her  at  its  close,  and  that  she  seemed  con- 
scious only  of  its  mistakes." 

"  Dear  Lou,  if  you  could  have  seen  the  anxiety  in  her 
eyes,  and  have  heard  the  pleading  eagerness  of  her  tones, 
her  words  would  have  rung  in  your  memory  for  life,  and 
I'm  sure  they  must  have  shown  you  the  danger  of  living 
only  for  this  world." 

"  Then  it  was  in  keeping  with  my  accustomed  good  for- 
tune that  distance  prevented  me  from  seeing  and  hearing, 
for  I  have  an  instinctive  dread  of  disagreeable  scenes. 
It  is  my  pleasure  to  remember  only  what  was  bright  in 
mamma's  life  ;  and  I  shall  place  no  weight  on  the  incoher- 
ent sentences  that  escaped  from  a  soul  jangled  out  of  tune 
by  disease.  When  mamma  was  in  health,  she  was  a  sensi- 
ble, ambitious  woman,  and  had  very  just  and  politic  views 


CONCLUSION.  359 

of  life.  I  have  profited  by  her  precepts  and  example ;  and 
as  fortune  has  given  me  a  broader  field,  I  intend  to  reap  a 
richer  harvest." 

"  Your  talents  might  be  of  such  inestimable  value,  dear 
Lou,  if  they  were  consecrated  to  the  Master's  service,  and 
might  win  for  you  pleasures  more  noble  and  enduring  than 
you  have  ever  dreamed  of." 

"  You  cannot  judge  me  from  your  stand-point,  Di;  you 
are  wrapped  in  a  mantle  of  forms  and  prejudices,  and  your 
soul  is  filled  to  repletion  with  husks  that  would  starve 
mine.  I  must  have  beauty  and  pleasure,  while  you  are 
content  with  duty." 

"Don't  send  me  away  hopeless  for  your  future,  dear 
sister." 

"  Poor,  simple-hearted  Daisy !  you  are  only  a  field-flower, 
without  color  or  fragrance  —  of  a  type  as  common  as 
meadow-grass ;  while  I  am  like  a  passion-flower,  rich  and 
tropical  in  my  nature.  You  may  have  hopes  or  misgivings 
for  my  future,  as  you  please ;  but  don't  trouble  me  with  any 
more  sermons.  I  told  Dr.  Howell  this  morning  that  I 
couldn't  receive  him  again,  unless  he  assured  me  that  dis- 
agreeable themes  should  be  avoided." 

All  the  fervor  and  tenderness  that  love  and  pity  could 
command  the  doctor  and  Diantha  used  in  pleading  with 
this  cold,  selfish  woman ;  but  they  were  obliged  to  leave 
her,  wrapped  in  the  sheen  of  a  false  beacon,  that  was 
luring  her  into  depths  of  darkness  from  which  human 
hands  could  never  lift  her. 

We  would  gladly  follow  our  friends  through  Europe, 
and  behold  with  them  the  wealth  of  scenery,  the  glories 
of  art,  and  the  grand  ruins  of  buried  centuries,  and  listen 
with  them  to  the  majestic  hymn  of  Nature,  sung  by  vine- 
clad  hiUs,  lofty  mountains,  and  musical  rivers,  garnering 
with  them  a  harvest  of  melody,  beauty,  and  knowledge ; 


360  DE.  HOWELL'S  FAMILY. 

but  the  limits  of  one  small  volume  will  not  permit.  We 
would  gladly  show  you  with  what  content  and  joy  Diantha 
sits  by  the  fireside  of  her  husband's  heart,  feeding  its 
flame ;  how  he  grows  nobler  and  purer  through  the  sweet 
influences  of  her  love ;  with  what  womanly  grace  and  dig- 
nity she  presides  in  a  home  made  beautiful  by  the  union 
of  wealth,  taste,  and  affection ;  how  good  deeds  flow  like 
still,  deep,  and  abundant  waters  from  her  hands,  and  the 
incense  rising  from  her  bounty  falls  in  blessing  on  her 
heart;  but  we  can  only  say,  her  noble  endeavors,  pure 
faith,  and  Christian  charity  fill  her  home  with  gladness 
and  peace,  and  make  her  life  a  beacon  of  hope  to  many 
struggling,  fainting  souls. 

Edna  Shreve  is  equally  at  home  with  the  Metcalfs  and 
Osbornes ;  and  her  face  is  like  an  April  sunbeam,  her  voice 
like  the  carol  of  birds,  her  presence  as  welcome  and  grate- 
ful as  the  breath  of  spring.  More  than  one  heart  thanks 
God  that  this  rare  and  delicate  flower  was  thrown  by  the 
wreck  of  the  Stella  into  Dr.  Howell's  keeping ;  and  if 
around  Stephen's  life  its  beauty  and  perfume  should  here- 
after cling,  the  harmony  and  fitness  of  such  a  combination 
would  be  recognized  by  all. 

The  scientific  academy  in  Hanthrop  owes  much  of  its 
prosperity  to  the  wealth,  talents,  and  aBsthetic  culture  of 
Horace  Metcalf,  Professor  of  Belles  Lettres  ;  it  is  the  first 
fruit  of  that  new  growth  whose  seeds  were  sown  by  Dian- 
tha's  pure  hands  and  persuasive  voice,  and  is  doubtless 
regarded  by  its  founder  with  much  the  same  pride  and  ten- 
derness one  would  bestow  upon  a  first-born  child.  The 
academy  is  greatly  indebted  also  to  the  energy,  faithful- 
ness, and  brains  of  Rev.  William  Osborne,  who  finds  here 
a  wider  and  more  congenial  mission  than  in  his  Vermont 
pastorate. 

Stephen,  After  two  years   of  study   in  Germany  and 


CONCLUSION.  361 

France,  returned  to  Hanthrop,  taking  upon  his  strong 
hands  and  courageous  spirit  the  burdens  of  that  profession 
which,  for  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century,  his  father's 
enthusiastic  devotion,  scientific  skill,  and  genial  spirit  had 
honored  j  while  Dr.  Howell,  with  a  white  frost  upon  his 
hair,  and  deeper  furrows  in  his  face  than  when  he  first  ap- 
peared in  these  pages,  still  engages  with  unabated  ardor  in 
whatever  work  can  bless  and  ennoble  humanity.  But  if 
the  sorrows  and  cares  of  life  have  frosted  and  thinned  his 
hair,  and  left  their  footprints  on  his  face,  the  seal  of  un- 
clouded faith,  liberal  study,  generous  impulses,  and  thought- 
ful zeal  for  the  welfare  of  others,  more  than  compensates 
for  the  ravages  of  time.  His  eye  has  lost  none  of  its  radi- 
ance, his  heart  none  of  its  charity,  his  voice  none  of  its 
kindliness,  and  his  hand  none  of  its  readiness  to  perform 
the  behests  of  a  spirit  which  looks  for  no  other  reward 
than  the  Master's  "Well  done,  good  and  faithful  ser- 
vant." 

If,  in  the  unartistic  and  unpretending,  but  truthful 
sketches  of  real  life,  culled  from  the  history  of  those  who 
have  rejoiced,  and  sorrowed,  and  labored  with  us,  the 
writer  has  failed  to  portray  the  loveliness  of  that  wisdom 
"  which  is  first  pure,  then  peaceable,  gentle,  and  easy  to 
be  entreated,  full  of  mercy  and  good  fruits,"  —  if  she  has 
failed  to  make  an  aimless,  selfish  existence,  and  a  vain 
struggling  for  the  world's  applause,  seem  ignoble,  and  its 
fruits  bitter,  — then,  indeed,  her  mission  has  failed  of  that 
fruition  which  makes  all  labor  blessed. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

Los  Angeles 

This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


Form  L9-Series  4939 


UCLA-Young  Research  Library 

PS2969  .T13d 
y 


L  009  529  960  8 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


AA    001  231  488    6 


